Bluebell, Southern rockbell
Wahlenbergia marginata

Family: Campanulaceae

What it is like

A low herb. It grows up to 60 cm tall with a strong tap root. The stem has several thin upright branches. The leaves are very small and thin. They are spoon shaped with a few teeth along the edge. They are 10-40 mm long by 2-8 mm wide. Clusters of blue flowers grow at the end of the branches.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows between 1000 and 3000 m altitude especially above 1500 m on sunny grassy slopes. It is more common in areas with a distinct dry season. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tonga, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The plant is eaten. The root is cooked with chicken or pork. The young leaves are used as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Roots, leaves

How it is grown

It grows wild.

Its other names

Local names

Blue flower shen, Dudma arxa, Dudma sag, Lan hua shen, Tosad kesari

Synonyms

Campanula marginata Thunb.; Wahlenbergia agrestis (Wall.) DC.; Wahlenbergia gracilis Schrad.;