Ginseng plants are perennial herbs growing to a height of 50 cm and having corpulent roots resembling human form. P. ginseng is typically a shade-preferring plant exclusively growing under forest shade without the durable impact of direct sunshine. Ginseng was formerly a wild plant growing in the northeastern part of China and northern Korean peninsula. At present it is practically extinct in the forests of China and Korea. The roots are collected from plants cultivated from seeds, under thatched covers and harvested when 6 years old. The dried and usually peeled root provides white ginseng, whereas red ginseng is obtained by steaming the root, this process generating a reddish-brown caramel-like colour. They are dried first by artificial heat and then sun dried. The roots are graded and packed, with small roots being processed separately to form a separate article of commerce.