A polymorphic species[]. Adenophora nikoensis is sometimes separated into two different species, in which the plant with calyx lobes serrate is named Adenophora nipponica and that with entire ones as Adenophora nikoensis. These two forms, however, are often observed in the same place and cannot really be separated[].

Common Name:

General Information

Adenophora nikoensis is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing one to many erect stems 15 - 80cm tall from a thickened, elongate rhizome[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - northern to central Japan

Habitat

Alpine regions, in sandy and stony situations in full sun[, ]. Rocky slopes and pebbly grasslands of subalpine to alpine regions at elevations of 1,500 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus are usually reliably hardy at temperatures down to at least -15°c, perhaps even lower if the soil is well-drained[].
Prefers a light rich slightly alkaline soil that is not too dry, and a warm sunny position[, ].
Plants are intolerant of root disturbance[].
The young growth is extremely attractive to slugs, they have been known to destroy even mature plants[].

Edible Uses

Root - cooked[, ]. Best if boiled in two lots of water, it then makes excellent eating[].

Leaves and young shoots - cooked[, , ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[]. The seed can also be sown in spring. Surface sow 2 - 3 seeds per pot in the spring in order to avoid transplanting[]. We have found that if transplanted when very small seedlings grow away without difficulty[]. Germinates in 1 - 3 months at 10°c[]. Plant out into their permanent positions whilst young.
Basal cuttings in spring[].
Division in spring - very difficult because the plant dislikes root disturbance[]..