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Project Noah Nature School
Platycodon grandiflorus
Japanese Bellflower (AKA: Balloon Flower) spotted near Hossawa Falls in Tokyo Prefecture, Japan. Growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) wide, it is an herbaceous perennial with dark green leaves and blue flowers in late summer. A notable feature of the plant is the flower bud, which swells like a balloon before fully opening. The five petals are fused together into a bell shape at the base, like its relatives, the campanulas.
In Korea, the plant as well as its root are referred to as doraji. The root, fresh or dried, is one of the most common namul vegetables. It is also one of the most frequent ingredients in bibimbap.
Spotted on Jul 5, 2020
Submitted on Jul 5, 2020
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