Description
Swertia mussotii (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 mussotii is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever, headache, and dizziness. It is also used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers.
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 mussotii
Swertia mussotii is native to China and can be found in the Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, growing in moist meadows, grasslands, and along stream banks.