Platycodon grandiflorus
| Chinese bellflower | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Campanulaceae |
| Genus: | Platycodon |
| Species: | P. grandiflorus |
| Binomial name | |
| Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A.DC. | |
Platycodon grandiflorus (from Greek "πλατυκώδων", meaning a broad bell) is a species of herbaceous flowering perennial plant of the family Campanulaceae, and the only member of its genus. It is native to East Asia (China, Korea, Japan and East Siberia). This species is known as platycodon. Depending upon the region, it is also referred to as the Korean bellflower, Chinese bellflower, Japanese bellflower, common balloon flower, or balloon flower (referring to the balloon-shaped flower buds).
Description
Growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) wide, it is an herbaceous perennial with dark green leaves and blue flowers in late summer. A notable feature of the plant is the flower bud which swells like a balloon before fully opening.[1] The five petals are fused together into a bell shape at the base, like its relatives, the campanulas. There are varieties with white, pink and purple blooms in cultivation.[2] In Korea, white flowers are more common. This plant[3] together with its cultivars 'Apoyama group'[4] and 'Mariesii'[5] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Uses
The root of this species (radix platycodi) is used extensively as an anti-inflammatory in the treatment of coughs[6] and colds. In Korea, the plant is known as doraji (도라지) and its root, either dried or fresh, is a popular ingredient in salads and traditional cuisine. The Chinese bellflower (called 桔梗 in Chinese) is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
In popular culture
In Taiwan
In the Taiwanese drama "Autumn's Concerto", 花拓也, Hua Tuo Ye refers to the woman of his affection, 梁慕橙 Liang Mu Cheng as a Chinese Bellflower.
In Japan
The bellflower is called kikyō (桔梗) in Japanese. Traditionally, it is one of the Seven Autumn Flowers. In addition, the "Bellflower Seal" (桔梗紋 kikyōmon) is the crest (kamon) of some clans.
-
"Kikyō" is a plain Kikyōmon.
-
"Toki Kikyō"is a variant used by the Toki clan, the Akechi clan, among others.
-
"Ōta Kikyō" is another variant used by the Ōta clan.
-
"Seimei Kikyō" is a pentagram used by Abe no Seimei as the symbol of the Onmyoryo (Bureau of Taoist Geomancy) associated with the Five Chinese Elements.
Rumiko Takahashi named her character Kikyo from her manga Inuyasha after the flower. The Cloud Real Six Funeral Wreath leader, Kikyo, from Katekyo Hitman Reborn! is also named after this flower, following the "one thousand flowers" naming of the Millefiore family. Kikyou (aka Reverse Sia) from the Shuffle! series is named after this flower, but her name is written in katakana rather than the actual kanji. Mahoro from Mahoromatic leaves flowers at the Grave of Commander Morisato every year and was known to Shugura as the "Bell Flower" person until late in the anime.
In the manga and anime series Bleach, the insignia for the Fourth Division is the Bellflower; the meaning behind it is Those who grieve are loved.
In Korea
In Korea, the white bellflower (doraji) is sung about in the traditional folk song, "Doraji".
References
- ↑ http://platycodon.net/
- ↑ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
- ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Platycodon grandiflorus". Retrieved 28 May 2013.
- ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Platycodon grandiflorus 'Apoyama group'". Retrieved 28 May 2013.
- ↑ "RHS Plant Selector - Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mariesii'". Retrieved 28 May 2013.
- ↑ "[Advances in studies on Platycodon grandiflorum]". Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 32 (3): 181–6. February 2007. PMID 17432133.
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Platycodon grandiflorus. |