Codonopsis javanica

Codonopsis javanica is a climber that lives for many years. It belongs to the bellflower family, Campanulaceae. Its native range spans eastern Nepal, Japan, and western Malesia. Records list China, India, Bangladesh, and much of Southeast Asia. It also grows on Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. Kew places it in a subtropical climate. Useful Tropical Plants gives a wider climate range. This spans warm temperate lands and tropical uplands.

Thick roots shaped like carrots give rise to the plant. Its soft stems branch and trail across the ground. They also twist around nearby plants, which give them support. Useful Tropical Plants lists a height of about 5 feet [1.5 metres]. It says most stems reach 6.6 feet [2 metres]. A separate report gives lengths of 20–46 feet [6–14 metres]. These lengths do not give a firm guide to garden height. The supplied records give no spread for a full-grown plant.

Wild plants grow on hillsides and near streams. They grow in rich, damp ground. They also grow in meadows and on rough ground. Other sites include the edges of mountain forests and open woods. They grow in woods that have regrown, thickets, and grassy fields. Most records in tropical areas place them above 3,280 feet [1,000 metres]. Plants For A Future lists sun and light shade as suitable. It states that the plant needs moist soil. It lists sand, loam, and clay as suitable soil types. It also lists slightly acid, neutral, and slightly alkaline soil.

Plants For A Future says flowers have both male and female organs. The supplied species records give no bloom months or flower colours. Useful Tropical Plants says the berries are round and fleshy. They may be violet or greenish white with red shading. Their width ranges from about 0.02–0.09 feet [0.007–0.026 metres]. That source lists the fruit as food. Yet Plants For A Future lists no known use as food. Neither source reports a known hazard. This does not mean the plant is safe.

People gather wild plants for local food and medicine. Records list root use for gut complaints and fluid retention. Other folk uses aim to treat coughs and help milk production. These records describe use, not proven effects or safe doses. People dig the roots in autumn and dry them for storage. Listed garden sites include beds and sunny edges of woods. The supplied evidence gives no hardiness rating for this species. It also gives no account of pests or diseases.