Codonopsis subscaposa

Codonopsis subscaposa grows from carrot-shaped roots up to 20 cm (7.9 in) long and 1 cm (0.4 in) across. It has erect stems, unbranched or with very few branches, 40–60 cm (16–24 in) high. The leaves vary in shape and are grey-green on the upper surface, green on the lower surface, usually about 2–8 cm (0.8–3.1 in) long by 1–4 cm (0.4–1.6 in) across, but sometimes larger. One to four flowers are often borne at the top of the stems on long pedicels. The calyx forms a tube attached to the ovary for about half its length. The bell-shaped corolla is 1.5–3 cm (0.6–1.2 in) long and 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 in) across, and is either yellowish or greenish white with red-purple veins, or red-purple with yellowish spots. The five petals are joined at the base to about half their length. After fertilization, brown-yellow seeds form in a capsule about 15 mm (0.6 in) long.

Codonopsis subscaposa is native to south-central China, in particular west Sichuan and north-west Yunnan. It is found on grassy slopes, wet meadows, and open woods at altitudes of 2,500–4,200 m (8,200–13,800 ft).

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