Status:
valid
Authors:
Hochst.
Source:
ksu
Year:
1844
Citation Micro:
Flora 27: 28 (1844)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000498044
Common Names
- Swertia Pumila
- Dwarf Swertia
- Dwarf Gentian
Description
Swertia pumila (also called Dwarf Gentian, among many other common names) is an herbaceous perennial plant native to the Himalayas and other parts of Asia. It has a single stem with a rosette of leaves and small, star-shaped flowers that are usually white or pale yellow. It grows in moist, shady areas and can be found in grasslands, meadows, and forests.
Uses & Benefits
Swertia pumila 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
The flowers of Swertia pumila are white and tubular in shape. The seeds are small and black in color. The seedlings are thin and delicate.
Cultivation and Propagation
Swertia pumila 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 pumila
Swertia pumila can be found in the Himalayas, from Kashmir to Bhutan, at altitudes of 2,000–4,000 m.
Swertia pumila FAQ
What is the natural habitat of Swertia pumila?
Swertia pumila is found in the mountains of Central and Eastern Europe.
What is the preferred soil type for Swertia pumila?
Swertia pumila prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
What is the optimal temperature for Swertia pumila?
Swertia pumila prefers cool temperatures, between 45-65°F (7-18°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,