Description
Swertia membranifolia (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 membranifolia 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.
Cultivation and Propagation
Swertia membranifolia is a hardy, evergreen perennial that is native to China. It can be propagated by division or from seed. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and pH levels. It can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Where to Find Swertia membranifolia
Swertia membranifolia is native to China and can be found in the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou.