Common Name:

General Information

Codonopsis tubulosa is a herbaceous perennial climbing plant producing a cluster of branched stems usually 1 - 3 metres tall from a clump of carrot-shaped roots. The stems are sometimes ascending, but more commonly scramble over the ground and twine into the surrounding vegetation for support.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - China (Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan), northern India (eastern Himalayas), northern Myanmar

Habitat

Mountain scrub, grasslands; at elevations from 1,900 - 3,000 metres[]. Alpine brush and rocky slopes[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a well-drained fertile light soil in full sun or semi shade[, ]. It only succeeds in full sun if the soil remains moist during the growing season[]. Prefers a slightly acid soil[].
Quite cold-hardy when dormant, 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[].
An important herb in Chinese medicine, it is widely cultivated there and is used as a ginseng substitute[].
A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining and scrambling over other plants[].
Plants resent root disturbance and should be planted out into their permanent position as soon as possible[].
Plants are very susceptible to the ravages of slugs. The young shoots in spring are particularly at risk, though older growth is also eaten[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

This species is an important herb in Chinese medicine, the root is widely used as a substitute for ginseng[]. It is a sweet, warm, soothing herb that is taken as an energy tonic[]. It acts mainly on the spleen, lungs and stomach, raising secretion of body fluids and blood sugar levels, lowering the blood pressure and stimulating the immune system[]. It is taken internally in the treatment of low energy, poor appetite and digestion, anaemia, shallow breathing and debility after illness[]. It is often cooked with rice until it is glutinous as a tonic food[].
The roots of plants at least three years old are harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried[].

Other Uses

None known

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[]. 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[].
Division in spring, with care, since the plant resents root disturbance[]. 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[].