Does the "Bashan Xiang" flower have poison?
This article introduces the topic of whether "Bashan Xiang" flower is toxic and the methods and tips for planting it in the field of green plants and flowers. Please refer to the detailed introduction below.
"Bashan Xiang" is also known as "Yi Mo Xiang," "Chu Liu Xiang," "Rong Mao Xiang Cha Cai," etc., belonging to the sub-shrub perennial herbaceous plants of the Labiatae family and Rosmarinus officinalis subsection. It is called "Bashan Xiang" because it emits a comfortable fragrance upon touch. It is also known as "Apple Fragrance" due to its sweet scent similar to apples. Let's find out if "Bashan Xiang" is toxic!
Is "Bashan Xiang" toxic?
"Bashan Xiang" is not toxic. The plant's aromatic cells contain green substances that are non-toxic and harmless, and they are also edible. The leaves can be used to make tea and wine, which are fragrant and enticing. They can also be cooked, made into soups, stir-fried, or used as a cold dish. Consuming the juice with honey can relieve sore throats, and as a tea, it can ease abdominal bloating and colds. When mashed and applied externally, it can reduce inflammation and swelling and is good for the skin.
Reason for "Bashan Xiang" emitting fragrance
The reason "Bashan Xiang" emits fragrance is similar to the "shy" mechanism of the Mimosa pudica. When the leaves are stimulated by touch, the water inside the cells acts, causing the turgor pressure in the leaf cushions to change. The leaves of "Bashan Xiang" do not contract under this pressure but instead, the internal air pores expand, allowing a volatile substance with an apple-like fragrance to spread into the air. In fact, "Bashan Xiang" also emits a faint fragrance normally, but it is not easily noticed. When the leaves are touched, the scent becomes stronger (also on the hands), making people believe it becomes fragrant upon contact.
Method for cultivating "Bashan Xiang"
1. Soil: "Bashan Xiang" prefers loose, well-draining soil.
2. Sunlight: "Bashan Xiang" enjoys sunlight; only in a sunny environment will the flesh leaves become thick. Insufficient light will cause the leaves to become flat and thin.
3. Temperature: "Bashan Xiang" is shade-tolerant but sensitive to cold. It needs to be cultivated in a greenhouse, is not tolerant to waterlogging, prefers warmth, and is not cold-resistant. It requires a temperature of 5-10°C during winter.
4. Watering: "Bashan Xiang" is not tolerant to humidity but can easily rot if overwatered. The soil should be kept dry and wet, and watering and fertilizing should be reduced or stopped on cloudy days. After summer, watering should be minimized, and during winter, it should be controlled. Watering is usually done only when the leaves start to wilt, otherwise, it can easily overgrow.
5. Pruning: Since "Bashan Xiang" easily branches out and grows horizontally, wide spacing should be maintained during planting to allow the leaves to spread out. Moderate pruning can promote branching and healthy growth.
6. Fertilization: It is not tolerant to fertilizer, with one application per month during the growing season being sufficient. Use mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, with less nitrogen.
This article shares some tips and knowledge about whether "Bashan Xiang" flower is toxic and the methods and tips for planting it. I hope this article can provide you with some help!