西洋参与人参同属五加科,多年生草本,是1714年由加拿大魁北克的拉菲泰神父雇用的印第安人,在加拿大森林中发现的,被命名加拿大人参。后来美国也发现有产,命名花旗参。其根肉质,略呈圆柱形,纺锤状,长2￣6cm,直径0.5￣1cm,外表呈现细横纹及不规则的纵皱,顶端的细纹较密而呈环状。 Ginseng is a member of the family of Gypiaceae, a perennial herb that was discovered in Canada in 1714 by Indians named Rafi Tai in Québec, Canada and named Ginseng. Later, the United States also found that there is production, named American ginseng. Its root fleshy, slightly cylindrical, spindle-shaped, length 2 ~ 6cm, diameter 0.5 ~ 1cm, appearance of fine horizontal stripes and irregular longitudinal wrinkles, the top of the fine lines more dense and ring.