Swertia petiolata
Family: Gentianaceae
What it is like
Swertia petiolata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Montane to the alpine zone.
E. Asia - Afghanistan to W. Nepal and S.E. Tibet.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, it is considered to have a bitter taste and extremely cooling potency. It is anti-inflammatory, febrifuge and liver tonic. It is used in the treatment of scleritis, inflammation of the liver and high blood pressure, inflammation of the stomach and liver.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in a moist humus-rich soil in damp light woodlands, streamsides or the bog garden. Grows best in areas with cool summers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in temperatures not exceeding 10°c in a humus-rich medium. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them Tu in early summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist, wet