Experimental Identification of “Songlan” (Isatis indigotica) and Woad (I.tinctoria) Introduced into China

Qiao Chuan-Zhuo, Cui Xi

Received:1900-01-01 Revised:1900-01-01 Online:1984-06-18 Published:1984-06-18
Contact: Qiao Chuan-Zhuo

Abstract:

“Song Lan” is a source of Chinese drugs such as “Daqingye”, “Banlangen”

or “Qingdai”. We have discovered that the two species, “Song Lan” (Isatis indigotica

Fort.) and woad (I. tinctoria L.), were mistakenly described in the literature due to their

morphological polymorphism. In order to clarify the two species, cytology examination, pol-

len analysis, electrophoretic analysis of isoenzymes and soluble protein were performed. The

results show that previous non-trichiferous type of woad is a “Song Lan”. As in woad,

“Song Lan” is also morphologically of great variability. The base of canline leaves in this

species may be sagittate or auriculate. We have not found the non-trichiferous type of woad

in our country. It is reported for the first time that the chromosome number for “Song

Lan” is 2n=14.

The content of the indole glucoside in fresh leaves of “Song Lan” is about five times

higher than in woad. For medicine cultivation of “Song Lan” is favorable.

Key words: Isatis indigotica, I.tinctoria, pollen grain, isoperoxidases, soluble protein

Qiao Chuan-Zhuo, Cui Xi. Experimental Identification of “Songlan” (Isatis indigotica) and Woad (I.tinctoria) Introduced into China[J]. .

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