Halenia elliptica - Spurred Gentian

Family:	Gentianaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.6
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - Himalayas from India to China.

Halenia elliptica (Spurred Gentian) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.6m . It has a hardness rating of 7and is quite resiliant to frost.
Spurred Gentian will flower in January to February. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Spurred Gentian will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
Spurred Gentian prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Not known

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds

Cultivation Details

Requires a cool, damp soil with a pH of 5 - 6, and a position in light shade with protection from strong winds[200]. Plants are not very hardy outdoors in this country and are best treated as frost-tender annuals[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, it is considered to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency[241]. It is cholagogue and febrifuge[241]. It is used in the treatment of liver inflammations, stomach complaints and fevers from contagious diseases[241].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in early spring in a cool greenhouse[200]. Only just cover the seed. Prick out into individual pots once the plants are large enough to handle and plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

Flora of China

Author:
Rating: http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher : On-line version of the Flora - an excellent resource giving basic info on habitat and some uses.
Date of Publication : 1994

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.