Yellow Centaury
Sebaea ovata

Family: Gentianaceae

What it is like

Sebaea ovata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Sandy soils in pastures etc from the coastal lowlands to the montane zone. Damp places in open forests.

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria. New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

Tonic. Used in the treatment of dysentery.

Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a warm sunny sheltered position in a well-drained soil. Although not frost-hardy, this species can be grown as an annual, starting of the plants in a greenhouse and planting out after the last expected frosts.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle into individual pots and plant them out in late spring or early summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Exacum ovatum.