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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

The leaves might be edible cooked as a potherb[1].

Leaves

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Swertia japonica.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The whole plant is bitter and stomachic[2]. It is used in the treatment of digestive disorders.

Unknown part

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in temperatures not exceeding 10°c in a humus-rich medium[3]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them Tu in early summer.

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



Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The plant is monocarpic, living for one to three years before flowering and dying after it flowers[4]. It is cultivated as a medicinal herb in China[5].It requires a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria[2]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a moist humus-rich soil in damp light woodlands, streamsides or the bog garden[3]. Grows best in areas with cool summers[3].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Swertia japonica. 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 Swertia japonica.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Swertia japonica
Genus
Swertia
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
?
Heat Zone
?
Water
high
Sun
Shade
partial 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











    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.2 Kariyone. T. Atlas of Medicinal Plants. ()
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution (1965-00-00)
    5. ? Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)