Ne Sha shen
Adenophora triphylla

Family: Campanulaceae

What it is like

A perennial to 1 m high. It has carrot like roots 7-16 cm long by 1.5-1.8 cm wide.

There are about 40 Adenophora species. They are temperate plants.

Where it is found

It grows best in a light rich slightly alkaline soil. It needs a sunny position. Plants can tolerate frosts to -20°C.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia

How it is used for food

The leaves and roots are eaten cooked.

It is sometimes cultivated as a food plant in Korea.

Edible parts

Leaves, roots

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Seeds germinate in 1-3 months at 10°C. They can be transplanted or sown direct. Plants can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Ch'andale, Tsurigane-ninjin

Synonyms

Adenophora tetraphylla (Thunb.) Fisch. ex B.D.Jacks.; Adenophora verticillata Fisch.; Campanula tetraphylla Thunb.; and many others