Pseudostellaria heterophylla (miq.) Pax ex Pax et hoffm., a perennial herb of Dianthus, is also called Pseudostellaria heterophylla, Tetrapanax quinquefolium and Pseudostellaria heterophylla (see Figure 2- 15). Take root tuber as medicine. Contains saponins, starch and fructose. Sweet, bitter and flat. It has the functions of invigorating qi and spleen, promoting fluid production and moistening lung. Can be used for treating spleen deficiency, fatigue, anorexia, lung deficiency, cough, palpitation, dry mouth, spontaneous sweating, etc. Mainly produced in Jiangsu, Shandong, Fujian, in addition, Anhui, Zhejiang, Shanghai and other places also have large-scale cultivation. At present, there are GAP planting bases in Zherong County, Fujian Province and Kaili City, Guizhou Province.

Similar to Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae and Rhizoma Corydalis, Taizi is a perennial plant, which grows roots in autumn, shoots in spring, withers and sleeps in summer and has a short growth period. Suitable for mild and humid climate. Under the condition of ten-day average temperature10 ~ 20℃, it grows vigorously, and it is afraid of hot and high temperature and strong light exposure, and it grows poorly when the temperature exceeds 30℃. The soil is required to be loose and fertile, and it likes fertilizer, but it is afraid of waterlogging. The accumulated water on the ground is easy to cause rotten roots, and continuous cropping is also forbidden.

Fig. 2- 15 Plant Morphology of Pseudostellaria heterophylla