Ginseng, Chinese ginseng
Panax ginseng

Family: Araliaceae

What it is like

A perennial herb. It grows up to 80 cm high. It spreads to about 70 cm across. It has a carrot shaped root. These can have branches. The stems are upright with rings of 2-5 leaves. These have long stalks. The leaves are compound. They have 5 oval leaflets. These have teeth along the edge. The flowers are small and greenish-white. The fruit is red and like a berry.

There are 3-6 Panax species. Some people divide the species into several. It has medicinal uses. It has anticancer properties.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to northern China. It grows naturally in mountain forest. It requires a moist humus rich soil. It is hardy to frost. It suits hardiness zones 4-8.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, China (country/location of origin), Europe, France, India, Indochina, Japan, Korea (country/location of origin), Manchuria, Myanmar, North America, Russia, SE Asia, Tasmania, Thailand, USA

How it is used for food

A tea is made from the ground dried root. The sliced young root is also eaten raw or fried or candied. It can be used in stuffings, soft drinks and soups.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Roots, roots - tea

How it is grown

It can be sown from seed. Seed can be erratic to germinate. Plants can also be grown by division of plants.

Its other names

Local names

Asian ginseng, Asiatic Ginseng, Jen Shen, Jen Shen Chiu, Kauli-thein, Korean Ginseng, Sang, Ren shen, Yakuyou ninjin, Som

Synonyms

Panax pseudoginseng, Panax schinseng (T.Nees.);