Codonopsis pilosula

Codonopsis pilosula, also known as Dangshen (), is a perennial species of flowering plant in the bellflower family. It is native to Asia, where it grows in forests, meadows, and scrub.
Description.
The plant produces twining stems up to long. It has lateral branches with alternately arranged leaves and small branchlets with oppositely arranged leaves. The ovate leaves are up to centimeters long and are usually coated with short hairs. Solitary flowers occur at the branch tips. The bell-shaped flower is about long and wide and is yellow-green with purple spots inside. The fruit capsule is up to long.
Uses.
Traditional.
The roots of "C. pilosula" are used in traditional Chinese medicine. They are carrot-shaped or cylindrical, sometimes branched, and up to long by wide. They are a constituent of Radix Codonopsis, a mixture used in herbal medicine.
Medicinal.
The traditional medicinal use of "Dangshen" has inspired medical studies investigating the root's capabilities to treat cardiovascular, pulmonary and digestive conditions. Research into the effect of Condonopsis pilosula extract on gastric ulcers in rats showed a reduction in gastric acid production and severity of stress induced ulcers. 
Subspecies.
There are 3 subspecies: