Its bulb is the main part of reproduction and human medicine. The two underground bulbs are wide and oval, and the stems are upright, simple and smooth. Plant leaves are opposite or whorled, petiole-free, lower leaves are slightly different, and upper leaves are elliptic or lanceolate. The flower is shaped like a small copper bell with the top upside down, generally 2~5 solitary flowers, which are divided into red and light yellow, with reddish-brown spots and bright colors. Capsule is rectangular with six broad wings and many seeds. May to June every year, the flowering period is in full bloom, which is the mining period.
Fritillaria Xinjiang mainly includes: Fritillaria Ili, Fritillaria Xinjiang, Fritillaria beach, Fritillaria Altai and Fritillaria verticillata, mainly produced in Ili, Altay and Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture. As early as the Qing Dynasty, Fritillaria Xinjiang had been developed and utilized. At that time, Changji and Qitai counties in northern Xinjiang were the distribution centers, transported by camels and horses through the northern line of the ancient Silk Road, and exported to Tianjin and other ports, commonly known as "Gubei". Because the quantity is small, it is expensive.
The development and utilization of Fritillaria in Xinjiang has a long history. Before liberation, it was exported to all provinces in Guanzhong, and it was known as the ancient city of Fritillaria. After liberation, Fritillaria resources in Xinjiang have been more widely used in clinic. In the Yearbook of Traditional Chinese Medicine published by 1959, Fritillaria Xinjiang has been listed as an authentic product, called "Xibeibeimu". China Pharmacopoeia (1977 edition) officially listed Fritillaria Sinkiang as "Fritillaria". According to the identification of specimens collected by investigation, there are 9 species of Fritillaria in Xinjiang: Fritillaria Xinjiang, Fritillaria flavescens, Fritillaria Gobi, Fritillaria Tacheng, Fritillaria Yumin, Fritillaria Torii, Fritillaria Wuqia and Fritillaria parviflora, which also have the function of medicine.
Most Fritillaria in Xinjiang are wild. In order to meet the needs of domestic medical treatment and export, medical research departments began artificial cultivation experiments in the late 1950 s and achieved success. Among Fritillaria in Xinjiang, Fritillaria Ili ranks first in Xinjiang, which is not only abundant, but also of good quality. Since 1967, the artificial cultivation of Fritillaria has been popularized in Yili area. By 1986, the artificial planting area has reached 166.2 hectares (2,493 mu), and the annual output has reached10.5 million kg.