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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Root - raw or cooked[1][2]. The plant produces thick tubers[3]. Young plant - raw or cooked[1][2]. A nutritional analysis is available[4].

Leaves

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Codonopsis lanceolata.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Aphrodisiac, tonic[5][6]. The root is anticancer, depurative, emmenagogue and galactogogue[7][4]. A decoction is used in the treatment of lung abscesses, milk-flow obstruction, amenorrhoea, acute and inflamed boils and abscesses and lymphadenopathy[7].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Climber

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in spring to early summer in an ericaceous compost in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to dry out. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 6 weeks at 20°c[8]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer and protect them from slugs until the plants are well established[K]. Division in spring, with care, since the plant resents root disturbance[9]. We have found it best to take small divisions that are teased out from the sides of the main clump so as to cause the least possible disturbance to the plants and to avoid having to dig up the clump. These small divisions need to be potted up and placed in light shade in a greenhouse until they are rooting well. They can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer if they are large enough, otherwise in the following spring[K].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Codonopsis lanceolata. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained fertile light soil in full sun or semi shade[10][9]. Plants only succeed in full sun if the soil remains moist during the growing season[9]. Prefers a slightly acid soil[8].

Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c[11]. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K]. A lot of confusion exists over the correct authorship of this specific name. Apart from the one mentioned above there are also :- (Sieb.&Zucc.)Trautv.; Benth.; and Benth.&Hook. A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining and scrambling over other plants[12]. The plant resents root disturbance and should be planted out into its permanent position as soon as possible[8]. Plants are very susceptible to the ravages of slugs. The young shoots in spring are particularly at risk, though older growth is also eaten[K].

It is best grown on a high bank in order to give a good view of the flowers[10].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Codonopsis lanceolata. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Codonopsis lanceolata.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Codonopsis lanceolata
Genus
Codonopsis
Family
Campanulaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
  • Leaves (Unknown use)
  • Root (Unknown use)
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
  • Unknown part (Aphrodisiac)
  • Unknown part (Depurative)
  • Unknown part (Emmenagogue)
  • Unknown part (Galactogogue)
  • Unknown part (Tonic)
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
7
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.2 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.2 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 www.foj.info Flora of Japan ()
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.2 ? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X ()
    8. ? 8.08.18.2 Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. (1990-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    11. ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
    12. ? Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins ISBN 0-00-219220-0 (1983-00-00)
    13. ? Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution (1965-00-00)