Detailed Explanation of the Morphological Characteristics and Suitable Growing Environment of Codonopsis pilosula

[Morphological characteristics]

Codonopsis pilosula is a perennial herbaceous vine. The root is cylindrical, with a light gray surface layer and a chrysanthemum-heart pattern inside. The stem twines, and its cut surface exudes white milky sap; the stem is long and much branched, with short rough hairs on the lower part and smooth on the upper part. The leaves are opposite or alternate, stalked, with ovate or broadly ovate blades and entire margins. The flowers are borne singly in leaf axils or at the tips; the corolla is broadly bell-shaped, pale yellow-green, with pale purple spots, 5-lobed at the apex, with triangular lobes. The capsule is conical. The seeds are small, brown, and glossy. The flowering period is August to September, and the fruiting period is September to October.

[Suitable growing environment]

Codonopsis pilosula prefers a mild and cool climate and is relatively cold-tolerant; its roots can overwinter in the soil in the open field. Seedlings prefer moisture, and are prone to drying out and dying when the soil lacks water. High temperature and high humidity can easily cause root rot, leading to plant death. Codonopsis pilosula has strict light requirements: seedlings prefer shade, while large seedlings and mature plants prefer ample sunlight, and grow poorly in half-shade and half-sun conditions. It requires a deep plow layer and loose soil texture, with sandy loam being best. It should not be planted in saline-alkali land, low-lying land, or land under continuous cropping.