Japanese ginseng, Bamboo ginseng
Panax japonicus
Family: Araliaceae
What it is like
A herb. It grows 50-80 cm tall. The rootstock lies along parallel to the ground level. The stems are straight. There are 3-5 leaves. The are compound with 5 leaflets spread out like fingers in a hand. The are narrowly oval and 5-18 cm long by 2-7 cm wide. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers are in flat top groups of 50-80 flowers. The fruit are round and red. They are 5-7 mm across.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. In China it grows in forests in valleys between 1,200-3,600 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, SE Asia, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The dried roots are used in tonic teas and liqueurs. The rhizomes are stewed with pork or chicken.
It is sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Roots - tea, rhizomes
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Dang sa wang, San qi