Purple Jiaohua, also known as *Lycoris radiata*, is a perennial herb belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 30–50 cm and features small cylindrical bulbs that form dense clusters. Both the stems and leaves contain tannins, giving them an astringent quality. The plant produces striking purple-pink flowers at the top in a cymose inflorescence. Native to South Africa, it has been widely introduced in areas like Yangyang, with a major cultivation site located near the Xiaxi market in Changzhou.
The plant can reach up to 70 cm in height, with nearly spherical bulbs measuring 1–2 cm in thickness. The outer layers are membranous and scale-like. The leaves are linear, ranging from 20–40 cm in length and 3–4 mm in width, with an acuminate tip and a sheathing base. The flowering stalks rise straight and smooth, bearing an umbellate cluster of flowers that appear nearly spherical at the top. Each flower has six oblong-lanceolate petals, covered in fine hairs, and six stamens that match the length of the petals. The pistil is single, slender, and elongated. The fruit is a capsule, and the blooming season runs from June to August. It thrives in wetlands on hillsides and among grasses in fields.
The main edible parts of Purple Jiaohua include the tender stems, leaves, and bulbs. Nutritionally, it is rich in protein, carbohydrates, and essential minerals. Per 100 grams, it contains 3.4g of protein, 0.4g of fat, 26g of sugar, 0.9g of crude fiber, 100mg of calcium, 53mg of phosphorus, and 4.6mg of iron. It also provides 0.09mg of carotene, 0.08mg of thiamine, 0.14mg of riboflavin, 36mg of vitamin C, and 1mg of niacin. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed to have warming properties, helping to improve appetite, aid digestion, and reduce greasiness. It is often used to strengthen the body and promote vitality, especially for those who feel weak or cold.
In our region, the young stems and leaves are commonly harvested for consumption between February and April. When the leaves start to dry in June, the bulbs are collected. The entire plant is dug up, bundled, and hung in a cool, well-ventilated area for drying and sale.
The bulb of the purple flower is thick and nearly spherical, with a diameter of about 2 cm and a white membranous leaf sheath. The leaves are mostly semi-cylindrical, slightly hollow in the center, measuring around 30 cm in length and 5 mm in width. The flowering stalks stand upright, reaching heights of 30–60 cm, and bear an umbellate inflorescence that appears globose or nearly spherical. The flowers are purplish-red, with sharp tips, and the stamens are longer than the petals. They are attached at the base of the perianth, with filaments broadly sessile. The blooming period occurs from May to July.
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