Status:
valid
Authors:
Diels
Source:
ksu
Year:
1929
Citation Micro:
Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 62: 488 (1929)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000498046
Common Names
- Swertia Papuana
- Papuan Swertia
- Papuan Gentian
Description
Swertia papuana (also called Papuan gentian, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. It typically grows in moist, shady areas, such as in forests and along streams.
Uses & Benefits
Swertia papuana has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-microbial properties. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a natural dye for fabrics.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Swertia papuana has small yellow flowers with five petals and a single style. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Swertia papuana is a perennial herb that is native to the Himalayas. It is best grown in moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. Propagation is usually done by division or by seed. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in a cold frame and will germinate in 2-3 weeks.
Where to Find Swertia papuana
Swertia papuana can be found in Papua New Guinea.
Swertia papuana FAQ
What is the natural habitat of Swertia papuana?
Swertia papuana is found in the tropical rainforests of New Guinea.
What is the preferred soil type for Swertia papuana?
Swertia papuana prefers moist, well-drained soil.
What is the optimal temperature for Swertia papuana?
Swertia papuana prefers warm temperatures, between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
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,