Indian gentian, Himalayan gentian
Gentiana kurroo

Family: Gentianaceae

What it is like

A herb. The leaves at the base are sword shaped and 10-12 cm long. There are several stems and the leaves on the stems are in 2-3 pairs. The stems are 5-30 cm long. The flowers are deep blue and paler in the throat. There are usually 2 or 3 flowers on each stem. They are funnel shaped and 5 cm across.

The root is used in medicine. It is an endangered species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in the Himalayas between 1,800-2,700 m above sea level. In Northeastern India it grows between 3,800-3,900 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zone 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The flowers are cooked as a vegetable. The root is probably medicine.

Edible parts

Rhizome - flavouring, root, caution, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Chireta, Kadu, Karadihanni, Karu, Kirayet, Kiriyatu, Kore, Kutki, Panginmento, Sayga-gyi, Se-pale, Trayaman

Synonyms

Gentianodes kurroo (Royle) Omer, Ali, & Qaiser; Pneumonanthe kurroo G. Don; Tretorhiza kurroo (Royle) Sojak;