Herb latin name: Codonopsis ovata


Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)



Medicinal use of Codonopsis ovata:

The roots and leaves are used to make a poultice for the treatment of bruises, ulcers and wounds.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
40 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
June to
August

Scent:
Scented
Perennial

Habitat of the herb:

Rocks and alpine slopes of the eastern Himalayas, usually amongst shrubs, 3000 - 4200 metres.

Edible parts of Codonopsis ovata:

Root - cooked. It can be dried and ground into a powder. A famine food, used when all else fails.

Propagation of the herb:

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.

Cultivation of Codonopsis ovata:

Rocks and alpine slopes of the eastern Himalayas, usually amongst shrubs, 3000 - 4200 metres.

Known hazards of Codonopsis ovata:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.