Chinese bellflower

Chinese bellflower (also known as Platycodon grandiflorus or balloon flower) is a species of herbaceous flowering perennial plant of the family Campanulaceae, and the only member of the genus Platycodon. It is native to East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, and the Russian Far East).

Description

The Chinese bellflower grows to 60 cm tall by 30 cm wide with five-petaled purple flowers in summer. The plant's roots and flowers are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Korean cuisine. The roots are thick and fleshy, and they are used both fresh and dried. The flowers are usually blue, but can be white or pink.

Cultivation

Chinese bellflower is hardy to USDA plant hardiness zones 3-8. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. The plant is often found in mountainous regions, meadows, and slopes. It is a popular garden plant due to its showy flowers.

Uses

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the root of the Chinese bellflower is known as Jie Geng and is used to treat coughs, colds, sore throat, tonsillitis, and chest congestion. It is also used in Korean cuisine, where it is known as doraji and is used in salads and traditional Korean dishes like bibimbap.

Cultural Significance

In Korea, the Chinese bellflower is considered a symbol of eternal love and honesty. It is often used in traditional Korean art and is a popular motif in Korean embroidery.

See Also

• Campanulaceae
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Korean cuisine

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