Panax japonicus is a species of ginseng known for its bamboo-shaped, uneven-sized roots. It is found throughout Japan and Korea, and is also said to be endangered in China.
"Panax japonicus" sees some use in Japanese Kampo medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Like other ginsengs, it contains a number of ginsenosides.
There is no English-language literature on its cultivation, though Baeg "et al." (2013) lists it among cultivated ginseng species. There is, however, a considerable volume of Chinese literature on its cultivation under the name "Zhújiéshēn".
Varieties.
"Flora of China" cites "Panax japonicus" var. "major" as a variety of this species, though Plants of the World Online treats it as a synonym of "Panax bipinnatifidus" var. "bipinnatifidus". cpDNA analysis supports the affiliation of the variety with "P. j." This variety is also used in traditional Chinese medicine under the name "Zhūzĭshēn". There is also a large amount of Chinese literature on its cultivation.