Swertia ciliata

Family: Gentianaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows each year from seed. It grows 30-50 cm tall. The roots are yellow and fibrous. The stems are erect and angular. The leaves are without stalks and are 1-5 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The edges curl under slightly. There are many flowers in a spreading open arrangement. The flowers are dark purple with 2 purple spots. The fruit is an oval capsule 7-10 mm long.

It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows between 2000-3500 m altitude in Uttar Pradesh in India.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, Sikkim, Tibet

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a substitute for tea.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chiraita, Chiret

Synonyms

Ophelia ciliata D. Don ex G. Don; Ophelia dalhousiana Griseb.; Ophelia purpurascens Wall. ex D. Don; Ophelia purpurascens var. ciliata D. Don; Swertia purpurascens Boiss.;