An interesting and well-behaved perennial, the balloon flower, Platycodon grandiflorus, acquired its common name due to the resemblance of its buds to a hot air balloon. Before its buds unfold and ...

Although the Latin botanical names are the best way to talk about flowers, since common names vary so widely, some common names are still a lot of fun and definitely worth knowing. Balloon flower ...

Q I'd appreciate it if you would identify this plant for us. This is its third year and the last two it has come up from the roots. Is it sometimes called a "balloon plant"? A The plant in question is ...

A cutting-edge study has pinpointed the PgbHLH28 gene as a crucial catalyst in the methyl jasmonate-induced (MeJA-induced) saponin biosynthesis in Platycodon grandiflorus. This genetic insight could ...

China: leaves eaten. The radical leaves are said to be slightly toxic, thus only the top leaves should be eaten. Chemical composition (Chinese sample) (leaves): protein = 3.5%; fat = 0.28%; ...

Q I'd appreciate it if you would identify this plant for us. This is its third year and the last two it has come up from the roots. Is it sometimes called a "balloon plant"? A The plant in question is ...