Plants of the genus Atractylodes in the Asteraceae family are unique to East Asia. They are generally believed to include species such as Hubei Atractylodes [Atractylodes carlinoides (Hand.-Mazz.) Kitam.], Southern Atractylodes (also commonly referred to as Maocangshu) [A. lancea (Thunb.) DC.], and Northern Atractylodes [A. chinensis (Bunge) Koidz.]. Except for Atractylodes carlinoides, the rhizomes of all other species within the genus can be used medicinally. The Flora of China categorizes Southern and Northern Atractylodes as a single species under the collective name Atractylodes [A. lancea].