Codonopsis

[David Shaw]

Can anyone put an id to this Codonopsis? I had thought that it was oing to be c. grey-wilsonii but am now not sure. The first three pics (1-3) are the query plant whilst the fourth is one of our standard grey-wilsonii.
The plant in the query is bulbous, and twining to about 1.5m. The flower is larger and more 'solid' than in g-w and tends towards being tubular rather than the flatted petals of g-w. In the query plant you will note that the stigma is divided into three open segments rather than the more compact five segemnts of g-w. Both plants are in flower at the moment.
Apologies for the rather less than perfect botanical description!

[Afloden]

 You might try Paul Kneebone at http://www.kneebone.freeserve.co.uk/. He might be the best person to ask.

 Aaron Floden
 University of Tennessee Herbarium

[Paul T]

David,

That grey-wilson is a stunner, isn't it?  The appearance of that red "ring" on the blue looks so striking.  Never seen a Codonopsis in the flesh, but they look rather amazing in pics.

[Ragged Robin]

Really stunning Codonopsis grey-wilsonii with the wine red centre, David - you obviously have to give it a it a lot of support...

[David Shaw]

I like the Codonopsis. The twiners emerge from the soil as a fine thread each summer and I am always scared  of breaking them off - and sometimes do. Nowadays I grow most in pots, even though they are fully hardy, and place the pot by a shrub once they have started into growth. Then I only have to remember to water them
Don't you have the in Australia, Paul? They are quite easy from seed and I started a new lot in February this year after being inspired, again, by Rod Leeds talk at Early Bulbs.

[Ragged Robin]

David, have just been on to Google to find out more and found that.... 'Codonopsis root also is effective for stress relief, memory retention and womens health' !  I think I shall have to grow it as it is so pretty as well 

[David Shaw]

Not sure about the womens health bit, Robin, But the other two sound useful! Can I pop a tuber in the casserol?

[mark smyth]

Kneebone shows one with a red ring

[Ragged Robin]

Not sure about the womens health bit, Robin, But the other two sound useful! Can I pop a tuber in the casserol?

Me thinks not!  The tap root is the thing and I got sort of embroiled in Chinese medicine which I was somewhat put off one time by the grasshopper things in jars they add to a 'tea' 

[Paul T]

Don't you have the in Australia, Paul? They are quite easy from seed and I started a new lot in February this year after being inspired, again, by Rod Leeds talk at Early Bulbs.

David,

I'm sure there are some who grow them, but I've never seen any around here.  Otto and friends probably grow them beautifully down there in Victoria, and I am sure that some of the cooler areas in Tas would suit them beautifully as well.  Would our summers here be a problem for them?  I'm guessing they are similar to many of the North American and European stuff that I grow that needs some protection from the heat of the sun, rather than the alpine plants that really do struggle for me here because I can't keep most of them cool enough?