Because it can make bean jelly, it is also called "bean jelly grass" among the people. It has been planted in some places in the south for hundreds of years and has become an important cash crop.
Brief introduction of Xiancao
Dianthus japonica is an annual herbaceous perennial with strong vitality. It likes heat but is afraid of cold, so it is mainly distributed in southern China. This plant does not require high soil for growth, and it can grow on wasteland, roadside and sunny hillside.
Pick its leaves and rub them on your hands. Your hands will feel sticky and slippery. After drying in the sun, soaking in water for a while, and then dissolving in water, it will naturally solidify into jelly-like gel without adding other ingredients at all, so it is also called "natural jelly" among the people.