Ficus hirta 五指毛桃 Hairy Fig

In southern China, the root of this shrub is a common herbal medicine as well as a food ingredient in popular soups with chicken and pork – an example of using medicinal plants, not only as medicine, but also as everyday food to remedy illness, prevent disease and promote health. During the Second World War, supplies of an important Qi strengthening herb Astragalus root (Radix Astragali 北芪) from northern China could not reach the south. The root of this local native plant Hairy Fig was used as a substitute because of similar medicinal properties, and has since been known as “Astragalus root of the south” (南芪).