Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl (see Figure 2-27) is a perennial herb in the family of Genseng, and is used as a medicine by its roots. It contains alkaloids, carbohydrates, sterols, amino acids, fatty acids and traces of volatile oil and carotene. It is bitter in taste and slightly cold in nature. It has the effects of nourishing yin and reducing fire, moisturizing dryness and generating fluids, and detoxifying the pharynx. Mainly used in the treatment of thirst and fever, sore throat, constipation. Mainly produced in Zhejiang Pan'an, Dongyang, Xianju and other counties. It has a long history of cultivation and is one of the eight famous Zhejiang flavors. In addition, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Guizhou, Jiangsu, Hunan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangxi and other provinces are cultivated. In Hubei Enshi City, there are production bases that have passed the national GAP certification.

Figure 2-27 Morphological diagram of Xuanzhenshen plant

1. Plant 2. Inflorescence 3. Root

In addition to Zhe Xuanzhenshen, there are also Chuan Xuanzhenshen (S. kakudensis Franch.), which is mainly produced in Sichuan's cities of Pengzhou City (the former Pengxian County) and Jinzhu, and in Chongqing's Yongchuan and Fuling, etc.; Bei Xuanzhenshen (S. buergeriana Miq.), which is distributed in Liaoning, Jilin and other provinces, and in the north of China. (S. buergeriana Miq.), distributed in Liaoning, Jilin and other provinces, with a small amount of cultivation; North China ginseng (S. maellendorffii Maxim.) is distributed in Hebei and other places, and is wild. The above four kinds of ginseng, with Zhejiang ginseng root stout and fat, high yield and good quality.

The ginseng is a deep-rooted plant, preferring warm and humid climate, but the stem and leaves can withstand light frost, strong adaptability, can be grown in both the north and south. Soil waterlogging is easy to rot the roots.