Codonopsis convolvulacea

Family: Campanulaceae

What it is like

A twining herb. The stems are 1 m long and they have a few branches. It has tuberous roots that are round or oval and 2.5-5 cm long by 1-1.5 cm wide. The leaves are alternate or opposite. The leaf blades are narrow and sword shaped to oval. They are 2-10 cm long by 0.4-3.5 cm wide. The base is wedge shaped or rounded. The edges can be smooth or with rounded teeth. The flowers occur singly on the edges of branches. They are bell shaped and blue of purple. There are many brown, oblong seeds.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In the Himalayas it grows between 2,200-4,200 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Sikkim, SE Asia, Tibet

How it is used for food

The roots are boiled and eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kulduma, Puldonyen, Trikyi metok

Synonyms

Codonopsis pinifolia (Hand.-Mazz.) Grey-Wilson;