Swertia japonica -

Family:	Gentianaceae
Habit:	Annual
Height:	0.2
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - Japan.

Swertia japonica () is a Annual which grows to a height of 0.2m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Swertia japonica 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
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Swertia japonica prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Sunny slopes and thickets in lowland and hills all over Japan[58].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

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[58]. It is cultivated as a medicinal herb in China[238].It requires a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria[174]. 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[200]. Grows best in areas with cool summers[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
The leaves might be edible cooked as a potherb[177].

• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The whole plant is bitter and stomachic[174]. It is used in the treatment of digestive disorders.

• Bitter - Increases the appetite and stimulates digestion by acting on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Also increases the flow of bile, stimulates repair of the gut wall lining and regulates the secretion of insulin and glucogen.
• Stomachic - Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in temperatures not exceeding 10°c in a humus-rich medium[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them Tu in early summer.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of Japan. (English translation)
Ohwi. G.
Author: Ohwi. G.
Rating:
Publisher : The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1965

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