Campanula rapunculus
L.
Rampion, Rampion bellflower
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCampanula rapunculus, common name rampion bellflower, rampion, rover bellflower, or rapunzel, is a species of bellflower (Campanula) in the family Campanulaceae. This species was once widely grown in Europe for its leaves, which were used like spinach, and its parsnip-like root, which was used like a radish. The Brothers Grimm fairy tale Rapunzel took its name from this plant.
Description
A plant less than 1 m high and spreads to 0.5 m wide. It grows either as a plant with a two year life cycle or as a perennial growing year after year. The stem is erect, stiff and hairy. The leaves vary but are about 7 cm long. The leaves near the base are oblong and on long leaf stalks while the leaves along the stem are narrow and entire and with very short leaf stalks. The flowers are reddish purple and form long branching clusters.
Edible Uses
The roots can be eaten raw or cooked, offering a notably sweet, walnut-like flavour that works best mixed with other root vegetables in winter salads. Leaves are mild with a hint of sweetness and are quite acceptable eaten raw in salads or cooked as a potherb; they are rich in vitamin C and make a solid winter salad green. Young spring shoots can be blanched and cooked in the same way as asparagus.
Traditional Uses
The tender young leaves are eaten raw or cooked. They are also used in soups. The young roots can be eaten raw in salads while older roots are cooked either boiled, roasted or fried.
Medicinal Uses
The leaves are rich in vitamin C.
Known Hazards
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It prefers a well drained but moist soil. It does best when the soil is neutral or alkaline. It can tolerate a pH range of 4.8 to 7.5. Plants can tolerate heavy frosts (-15°C). It occurs naturally in grassy sites and heaths in temperate northern hemisphere places. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.
Where It Grows
Africa, Albania, Algeria, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Balkans, Belgium, Britain*, Bulgaria, Caucasus, Czech Republic, Europe, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Middle East, Moldova, Morocco, Netherlands, North Africa, North America, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tasmania, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, USA, Yugoslavia,
Cultivation
The plant is self fertile and seed breed true. When grown for its edible root the plant should not be allowed to flower. Seed can be sown where the plants are to grow and they will germinate in 2-4 weeks. Plants can also be grown by division or by cuttings.
Propagation
Surface sow seed in situ in May or June. Germination typically occurs within 2–4 weeks at 18°C.
Other Uses
No known other uses. Suitable for food forest plantings.
Other Information
It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.
Notes
There are about 300 Campanula species.
Also Known As
Anardoun, Kanpanin, Rampoun, Raponzolo, Repunxo, Repuščeva zvončica, Vara de San Jose, Zvonek repka
References (32)
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