Levzeya soflorovydnaya (rhizome) packaging of 100 grams - 1 kg, Kharkiv region.

Perennial herbaceous plant with a woody rhizome. Levzea safflower - belongs to the genus Levzea of ​​the Complex-flowered or Astrovye family. The genus has about 20 species, distributed mainly in Eurasia. Along with the scientific name, it has several names - safflower-like raponticum, safflower-like bulrush, wilted root, etc. A large perennial up to 1.5 m or more (1.8 m) in height with a woody, horizontal black rhizome (10-30 mm thick), with numerous thin elastic roots about 15 cm long and up to 5 mm thick, has a resinous smell. Harvesting of raw materials is carried out after the ripening of seeds in August and the first half of September. The rhizomes with their roots are dug up, cleaned of sand and earth, the aerial parts are cut off and quickly washed. Within 2-3 days, they are aired out from excess moisture, and then dried in dryers at a temperature not higher than 40-60°C or in the sun on special racks well blown by the wind. Dried rhizomes are 1.5 cm thick and 15 cm long. The color of the rhizomes and numerous roots is from brownish-brown to almost black on the outside, pale yellow when broken.