deodeok; Codonopsis lanceolata
A perennial climbing plant native to East Asia, whose roots are used in Korean cuisine and traditional medicine. The Korean name 'deodeok' (더덕) is often used in English contexts.
The root of Codonopsis lanceolata is often used in Korean cuisine.
Katakana spelling is common for this plant name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare; learners will mostly encounter the kana forms.
The Japanese name ツルニンジン literally means 'vine carrot', referring to its climbing habit and carrot-like root. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.