Comparison of Plant Growth and Morphological Characteristics Among the Korean Ginseng, the American Ginseng and the Bamboo Ginseng

고려인삼, 미국삼 및 죽절삼의 생육 및 형태적 특성 비교

An investigation was conducted to ascertain the basic information on characteristics of growth and morphological characters among the Korean (Panax. ginseng), the American (Panax. quinquefolium) and the Bamboo (Panax. japonicus) ginseng. In aerial parts growth of the ginseng species by age, The Korean ginseng and American ginseng's stem and leaf growth was alike in 2-4 years old, but growth cycle changed in 6 years old. The Korean ginseng was more vigorous than the American ginseng. The Korean ginseng roots were highly observed in ratio of red skin roots among three species, whereas The American ginseng roots were highly infected by root rot. It seems to be variable depending on growing stage and species. The Korean ginseng flowered about the middle of May, the American ginseng early June, and the Bamboo ginseng was late of May, The berry color of the ginseng species was observed, The Korean and American ginseng's mature berry color was red, The Bamboo ginseng's berry was three type of color and shape. In root characteristics of the seedling, Korean (p. ginseng), American (p. quinquefolium) ginseng's root shape was similarity in type, the bamboo ginseng showed different type, which root length and root weight was smaller than those of ginseng. In morphological characters of Leaf surface, pollen, and stoma, the Korean ginseng and American ginseng had crystal rosette on epidermis cell, but the Bamboo ginseng didn't has crystal rosette. Pollen shape observed tricolpate pollen and size was media type among the ginseng species, and also guard cell was anomocytic type, which were observed by scanning electronic microscope.