In western Europe liquorice is cultivated, but the Russian and Persian drugs are obtained from wild plants. They are usually propagated by replanting young pieces of stolons but may be grown from the seed. The underground organs are developed to a sufficient extent (ensuring maximum sap sweetness) by the end of the third year when they are dug up after the leaves fall. Some are peeled, and cut up into short pieces before drying, but much of the drug is now used unpeeled. The drug is usually imported in bales. In Southern Italy and to some extent in Spain, Anatolia, etc., a large part of the drug is made into block or stick liquorice. This is prepared by the process of decoction, the liquid being subsequently clarified and evaporated to the consistency of a soft extract. This is made into blocks or sticks, dried and exported in boxes lined with laurel leaves.