Status:
valid
Authors:
(Roxb.) H.Karst.
Source:
ksu
Year:
1883
Citation Micro:
Deut. Fl. : 1025 (1883)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000498214
Common Names
- Swertia Chirayta
- Chirayta Swertia
- Chirayta Gentian
Description
Swertia chirayta (also called Chirayta gentian, among many other common names) is an herbaceous perennial with a stem up to 1 m tall. It is native to India and Sri Lanka, and is found in grasslands and scrub at altitudes of 1,500-2,500 m. It prefers moist, well-drained soils.
Uses & Benefits
Swertia chirayta has been used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a natural dye for fabrics.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Swertia chirayta is yellow and has five petals. The seed is a small, black, oblong-shaped seed. The seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Swertia chirayta is a perennial herb that can be grown in full sun to partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can be propagated by division or seed. It is best to sow the seeds in spring or autumn and keep the soil moist until germination.
Where to Find Swertia chirayta
Swertia chirayta is native to the western Himalayas and can be found in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Swertia chirayta FAQ
What is the scientific name of Swertia chirayta?
Swertia chirayta
What is the common name of Swertia chirayta?
Chirayta
What is the natural habitat of Swertia chirayta?
It is found in dry, open forests and grasslands in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka
Species in the Swertia genus
Swertia zeylanica,
Swertia wattii,
Swertia welwitschii,
Swertia woodii,
Swertia yezo-alpina,
Swertia steenisii,
Swertia striata,
Swertia swertopsis,
Swertia tashiroi,
Swertia taylorii,
Swertia lurida,
Swertia staintonii,
Swertia mildbraedii,
Swertia mileensis,
Swertia thomsonii,
Swertia iberica,
Swertia grandiflora,
Swertia lastii,
Swertia lactea,
Swertia japonica,
Swertia lawii,
Swertia leduci,
Swertia longifolis,
Swertia juzepczukii,
Swertia javanica,
Swertia scottii,
Swertia schimperi,
Swertia schugnanica,
Swertia punctata,
Swertia ramosa,
Swertia volkensii,
Swertia pumila,
Swertia papuana,
Swertia nepalensis,
Swertia oxyphylla,
Swertia obtusa,
Swertia pseudochinensis,
Swertia polynectaria,
Swertia pseudohookeri,
Swertia perennis,
Swertia piloglandulosa,
Swertia pinetorum,
Swertia alternifolia,
Swertia acaulis,
Swertia densifolia,
Swertia crassiuscula,
Swertia crossoloma,
Swertia decurrens,
Swertia fedtschenkoana,
Swertia corymbosa,
Species in the Gentianaceae family
Adenolisianthus arboreus,
Anthocleista amplexicaulis,
Anthocleista djalonensis,
Anthocleista grandiflora,
Anthocleista inermis,
Anthocleista laxiflora,
Anthocleista liebrechtsiana,
Anthocleista longifolia,
Anthocleista madagascariensis,
Anthocleista microphylla,
Anthocleista nobilis,
Anthocleista obanensis,
Anthocleista procera,
Anthocleista scandens,
Anthocleista schweinfurthii,
Anthocleista vogelii,
Anthocleista potalioides,
Aripuana cullmaniorum,
Bartonia paniculata,
Bartonia verna,
Bartonia virginica,
Bisgoeppertia robustior,
Bisgoeppertia gracilis,
Bisgoeppertia scandens,
Blackstonia acuminata,
Blackstonia grandiflora,
Blackstonia imperfoliata,
Blackstonia perfoliata,
Calolisianthus amplissimus,
Calolisianthus pedunculatus,
Canscora alata,
Canscora andrographioides,
Canscora concanensis,
Canscora diffusa,
Canscora heteroclita,
Canscora macrocalyx,
Canscora pauciflora,
Canscora perfoliata,
Canscora roxburghii,
Canscora schultesii,
Canscora stricta,
Canscora bidoupensis,
Canscora bhatiana,
Canscora shrirangiana,
Canscora ciathula,
Canscora tetraptera,
Celiantha bella,
Celiantha chimantensis,
Celiantha imthurniana,
Centaurium ameghinoi,