Adenophora

Adenophora, commonly known as ladybells, is a genus of perennial herbaceous plants belonging to the family Campanulaceae. The genus name is derived from Greek words "aden" meaning gland and "phoros" meaning bearing, referring to the glandular appendages on the style. These plants are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with a significant presence in Asia and Europe.

Ladybells are characterized by their bell-shaped flowers, typically blue or purple, though white and pink varieties exist. The flowers are borne on slender stems, often in racemes or panicles. Leaves are usually basal and ovate, becoming smaller and lanceolate on the stems. Adenophora species vary in size and growth habit, with some being compact and others more sprawling. They generally prefer well-drained soil and partial to full sun.

Several species are cultivated for their ornamental value in gardens, particularly Adenophora lilifolia and Adenophora confusa. In traditional medicine, some species have been used for their purported anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, though scientific evidence for these uses is often limited. The genus is closely related to Campanula, and distinguishing between them can sometimes be challenging based on floral and vegetative characteristics.