[The development and evolution of differentiation between Radix Paeoniae Rubra and Radix Paeoniae Alba]

The root of Paeonia Lactiflora Pall. was differentiated into Radix Paeoniae Rubra and Radix Paeoniae Alba since the Southern and Northern Dynasties, most of which were, by then, sourced from the wild plants of Paeonia. In the Song Dynasty, the differentiation of Radix Paeoniae Rubra and Radix Paeoniae Alba was based on the color of its root, and from Yuan to Qing Dynasty, based on the color of its flower. In modern times, this is based on whether it is cultivated and processed or not. Radix Paeoniae was selected and eventually cultivated as ornamental plants of Paeonia for enjoyment from the Song to Ming Dynasties. The wild plants of Paeonia with single-petal flower were cultivated for medicinal use because of the esteem by the doctors. The current method of differentiation of Radix Paeoniae was formed in the 20th century.