BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CULTIVATION OF Codonosis Javanica (Blume) Hook.f. & Thomson) IN QUANG NINH PROVINCE

Abstract

Codonopsic javanica (Blume) Hook. f. & Thomson is a valuable medicinal plant with high economic and conservation significance. The study has provided additional information on the morphology, ecology, phenology, distribution, and cultivation characteristics of Codonopsic javanica, offering a scientific basis for its sustainable use and conservation in Quang Ninh province. In Quang Ninh, Codonopsic javanica is a perennial, herbaceousclimbing plant. It flowers from May to October, with fruit ripenning from November to December. This speciesis found at elevations ranging from 200 to 1,000 mettersacross diverse types of soil, with soil layer thickness ≥ 50 cm. The frequency of appearance varies between 2.65 and 8.86 individuals per kilometer, with an average of 5.1 individuals/km. Mature plants account for 38.8%, while regenerated plants represent 61.2%; The species shows the highest distribution in swidden areas (43.58%), followed by young regenerated forests (24.32%), grasslands (15.07%), planted forests (9.59%) and the lowest rate in natural forests (5.65%). Altitudinally; the majority are found above 500 metters (66.61%), while 33.39% are distributed below this evelation. Topographically, the species occurs on foothills (32.36%), hillsides (40.07%), hilltops (27.57%). Several experimental conservation and cultivation models have been established, including 500 m² ex-situ conservation model, 0.18 ha seedling nursery model (approximately 15,000 seedlings). and a 1 ha trial planting model. After nine months, these models have demonstrated survival rates of 92.75 to 95.07%, plant heights ranging from 125.8 to 143.8 cm, and an average of 3.5 to 4.2 branches/plant. The proportion of plants classified as grade A quality is 63.16 - 67.40%, while grade B accounts for 32.6 to 36.84%.