Chinese bellflower

Platycodon grandiflorus is a species of perennial flowering plant of the family Campanulaceae and the only member of the genus Platycodon. These species are commonly referred to as platycodon, Chinese bellflower, sometimes also Japanese bellflower, common balloon flower, or simply balloon flower. It is native to East Asia (China, East Siberia, Japan, and Korea) and bears big blue flowers, although varieties with white and pink flowers are in cultivation.

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The root of this species (radix platycodi) is used extensively in Asia as an anti-inflammatory in the treatment of coughs 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 herbal cooking. However, Chinese bellflower and Korean bellflower are different. Chinese bellflower (called 桔梗 in Chinese) is used in Chinese herbology.

The plant is also a popular garden ornamental. It is hardy to USDA plant hardiness zone 3 and requires little care.

Trivia

• Rumiko Takahashi named her character Kikyo from her manga Inuyasha after the flower.
• Kikyou (aka Reverse Sia) from the Shuffle! series is named after this flower.
• Byakuya Kuchiki from the anime Bleach enjoys this flower.
• in Korea this is entitled to a folk song.
• in Japan, the pentagram is sometimes called the "Bellflower seal", and the flower was the symbol of the Onmyoryo (Bureau of Taoist Geomancy), because of its associations with Abe no Seimei and the Five Chinese Elements.