Campanula rapunculus

Campanula rapunculus, also known as rampion bellflower or rampion, is a species of bellflower in the family Campanulaceae. It is native to western Europe, from Portugal north to southern Scandinavia, and east to the Caucasus and western Siberia.

Description

Campanula rapunculus is a perennial plant that grows to a height of 30-80 cm. The leaves are lanceolate to ovate, and the flowers are bell-shaped, blue-violet in color, and bloom from June to September. The plant has a long, white, edible root which is used in salads.

Cultivation and uses

Campanula rapunculus is cultivated for its root and leaves, which are used in salads. The root is also cooked and used as a vegetable. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for its diuretic and expectorant properties.

Ecology

Campanula rapunculus grows in meadows, pastures, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Taxonomy

The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1753 work Species Plantarum. The genus name Campanula is Latin for "little bell", referring to the shape of the flowers, and the species name rapunculus is a diminutive of rapum, meaning "turnip", referring to the shape of the root.

See also

• List of Campanula species
• Campanulaceae