Swertia ciliata
(G. Don) Burtt.
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) T. Abe Lloyd, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by T. Abe Lloyd
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Basu Dev Poudel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
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.
Edible Uses
The leaves are used as a substitute for tea.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are used as a substitute for tea.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The plant is used in traditional medicine.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows between 2000-3500 m altitude in Uttar Pradesh in India.
Where It Grows
Afghanistan, Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, Sikkim, Tibet,
Notes
It is used in medicine.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Chiraita, Chiret
References (2)
- Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 609
- Negi, K.S., 1988, Some little known wild edible plants of U.P. Hills. J. Econ. Tax. Bot. Vol. 12 No. 2 pp 345-360
