Common Name: Todok

General Information

Codonopsis lanceolata is a herbaceous perennial climbing plant growing from thickened, spindle-shaped roots. The usually branched stems are 100cm or more long, scrambling over the ground and twining into the surrounding vegetation for support[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is sometimes cultivated as a food crop, and the roots are commonly sold for food in local markets in Korea[]. The plant is grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East, China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Moist places in woods in low mountains and hills[, ]. Edges of moist forests; at elevations from 200 - 1,600 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial Climber
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, wasps
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c[]. 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[].
Prefers a well-drained fertile light soil in full sun or semi shade[, ]. Plants only succeed in full sun if the soil remains moist during the growing season[]. Prefers a slightly acid soil[].
A climbing plant, supporting itself by twining and scrambling over other plants[].
The plant resents root disturbance and should be planted out into its 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[].
The plant is best grown on a high bank in order to give a good view of the flowers[].

Edible Uses

Root - raw or cooked[, ]. The plant produces thick tubers[].

Young plant - raw or cooked[, ]. A nutritional analysis is available[].

Medicinal

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

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[].