Description
Swertia davidii (also called Chinese gentian, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to China, Japan, and Korea. It grows in moist meadows, grasslands, and forests at elevations of 500–3,000 m. It has a short stem and its leaves are lanceolate and serrated. Its flowers are yellow-green and tubular in shape.
Uses & Benefits
Swertia davidii is used as a traditional Chinese medicine for treating fever, headache, and other ailments. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Flower: Yellowish-green, tubular, 5-lobed, about 1 cm long. Seed: Small, ovoid, black. Seedlings: Cotyledons oblong, about 2 cm long, petioles short.
Where to Find Swertia davidii
Swertia davidii is native to China, India, and Nepal. It can be found in the Himalayan region, growing in moist meadows, grasslands, and along stream banks.