Codonopsis lanceolata var. lanceolata ("Tsuruninjin")

Japanese name: ツルニンジン （蔓人参）
Scientific name: Codonopsis lanceolata var. lanceolata

[Overview]
A climbing perennial found in forests in the mountains.
It has tuberous roots.
White latex comes out when the stem or leaves are damaged.
The vines grow to 2–3 m and are somewhat hairy while young.
The leaves on the main axis are small and scale-like, while those on the side branches are simple, alternate or gathered 3–4 together in a false whorl, oblong or long-ovate, 2–10 cm long.
The leaf margins have indistinct teeth or are entire.
The flowers are borne 1–2 at the tips of the side branches, hanging downward.
The corolla is broadly bell-shaped, 2.5–3 cm long and about 4 cm across, with the tip divided into 5 lobes, and is whitish green with purplish brown spots on the inside.
There are 5 small spurs at the base of the corolla.
The sepals are 2–3 cm long.
The fruit is a capsule, and the seeds have a wing on one side.

[Uses]
The tuberous roots are used medicinally, and the latex is used as a folk remedy for cuts.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed, sowing the seeds immediately after collecting them.
It prefers partial shade and fertile soil that is well drained and retains water well.
The tuberous roots grow large, so cultivate it in a large pot.
From spring to autumn, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; in winter, rainfall is sufficient.
Apart from basal fertilizer, place slow-release chemical fertilizer on the soil in spring and autumn, but too much makes the plant grow too large, so apply it while watching the growth.
When the vines begin to grow, set up a support.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

[Notes]
The Japanese name derives from the thick root, which resembles Chosen-ninjin.
The alternative name means "old man's freckles," after the spots inside the flower, and is paired with the name Baasobu.
It resembles Baasobu, but can be distinguished by the presence or absence of hairs on the underside of the leaves, the presence or absence of wings on the seeds, and so on.

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