Panax notoginseng occupies an important position for its unique medicinal value. This perennial herb of the genus Ginseng family is known as “Golden-free” because of its long growth cycle and significant medicinal effect. However, few people understand that the medicinal value of Panax notoginseng is closely related to its growth period and leaf development status. By observing the number and composition of Palm shaped compound leaves of Panax notoginseng, we can see the growth code of this magical plant.
The annual Panax notoginseng seedlings have just begun to bloom, with only one palm-shaped compound leaf. This complex leaf is like the first cry of a newborn baby, announcing the beginning of life. At this time, the complex leaf structure is simple, the leaves are small, and the photosynthesis capacity is limited. The plant uses most of its energy for root development. In the main production areas of Panax notoginseng such as Wenshan, Yunnan, medicinal farmers can identify these “one-year-old” Panax notoginseng at a glance, which are petite and full of potential.
When Panax notoginseng enters the second year’s growth cycle, the vitality of life begins to burst out. Biennial 37 usually grows 2-3 palm-shaped complex leaves, each of which consists of 5 to 7 small leaves, presenting a more complex shape. This year was an important turning point in Sanqi’s life – it began to bolt and bloom. The start of reproductive growth means that the plants have a certain nutritional reserve, but the accumulation of medicinal ingredients in Panax notoginseng at this time is not sufficient, and the active ingredients content at the root is low. This is why it is rare to see Panax notoginseng products in the market for less than two years.
Panax notoginseng, born in three to four years, ushered in a golden period of growth. Plants at this stage generally grow 3 to 5 palm-shaped complex leaves, and each complex leaf is mostly composed of 7 leaflets, and a few well-developed individuals can even reach 9 leaflets. The increase in the number of leaves has brought about a significant increase in photosynthesis efficiency, and the plants can synthesize more organic matter. At the same time, the root system has entered a period of rapid expansion, and medicinal ingredients such as saponins have begun to accumulate in large quantities. At the Wenshan Panax notoginseng planting base, experienced medicinal farmers’ association pays special attention to the growth of plants at this stage, and judges the growth status of underground rhizomes by observing the development of leaves.
Panax notoginseng, which has been more than five years old, can be called the “elder in medicine”, with a total of 6 leaves, showing vigorous vitality. At this stage, the root system of Panax notoginseng is thick, the main root is obvious, and the medicinal value reaches its peak. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, five-year-old Panax notoginseng is considered to have the most balanced medicinal properties, stopping bleeding without leaving blood stasis, dispersing blood stasis without hurting the body. Modern research has also confirmed that the variety of saponins in the five-year-old Panax notoginseng is the most abundant, and the proportions of various active ingredients are coordinated.
It is worth noting that the development status of Panax notoginseng palm-shaped complex leaves is not entirely determined by the age. Environmental factors such as nutritional supply, lighting conditions, temperature and humidity will significantly affect the quantity and quality of complex leaves. Under adequate nutrition and appropriate developmental conditions, more palmate compound leaves may appear in Panax notoginseng in the same year. For example, in carefully managed plantations, triennial phenanthia sometimes grows 6 compound leaves, reaching the usual five-year-old plant level. On the contrary, even five-year-old 3007 may only maintain 3-4 compound leaves under barren land or harsh climate conditions.
The growth process of Sanqi is like a carefully arranged symphony of life, and each palm-shaped complex leaf is an indispensable note in the music. From one compound leaf per year to six compound leaf per five years, this change not only records the passage of time, but also witnesses the accumulation of medicinal value. Understanding these growth patterns will not only help us better cultivate and utilize this precious medicinal material, but also allow us to design the wonderful nature