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Uses

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Gentiana triflora.

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Gentiana triflora.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Gentian roots contain some of the most bitter compounds known and make an excellent tonic for the digestive system, working especially on the stomach, liver and gall bladder[1]. The root is antibacterial and stomachic[2]. It is used in the treatment of jaundice, leucorrhoea, eczema, conjunctivitis, sore throat, acute infection of the urinary system, hypertension with dizziness and tinnitus[2]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.

Unknown part

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a light position in a cold frame[3]. It can also be sown in late winter or early spring but the seed germinates best if given a period of cold stratification and quickly loses viability when stored, with older seed germinating slowly and erratically[3][4]. It is advantageous to keep the seed at about 10°c for a few days after sowing, to enable the seed to imbibe moisture[4]. Following this with a period of at least 5 - 6 weeks with temperatures falling to between 0 and -5°c will usually produce reasonable germination[4]. It is best to use clay pots, since plastic ones do not drain so freely and the moister conditions encourage the growth of moss, which will prevent germination of the seed[4]. The seed should be surface-sown, or only covered with a very light dressing of compost. The seed requires dark for germination, so the pots should be covered with something like newspaper or be kept in the dark[4]. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. The seedlings grow on very slowly, taking 2 - 7 years to reach flowering size[4]. When the plants are of sufficient size, place them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer.

Division in March[5]. Most members of this genus have either a single tap-root, or a compact root system united in a single root head, and are thus unsuitable for division[4].

Cuttings of basal shoots in late spring[1].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Gentiana triflora. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

In general, gentians require a moist well-drained soil in a sheltered position, a certain minimum of atmospheric humidity, high light intensity but a site where temperatures are not too high[4]. They are therefore more difficult to grow in areas with hot summers and in such a region they appreciate some protection from the strongest sunlight[3][4]. Most species will grow well in the rock garden[3]. This species requires a lime-free, peaty, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade[6][4]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[6].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Gentiana triflora. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Gentiana triflora.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Gentiana triflora
Genus
Gentiana
Family
Gentianaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.2 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.2 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.54.64.74.84.9 Kohlein. F. Gentians. Christopher Helm. London. ISBN 0-88192-192-0 (1991-00-00)
    5. ? Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
    7. ? Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PFAFimport-58

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