Gentiana kurroo
Royle
Indian gentian, Himalayan gentian
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa
(c) Lauren Gardiner, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Lauren Gardiner
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa
(c) Lauren Gardiner, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Lauren Gardiner
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa
(c) Lauren Gardiner, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Lauren Gardiner
Summary
Source: WikipediaGentiana kurroo, also known as Indian gentian or Himalayan gentian, was named after the Illyrian monarch Gentius, who discovered the medicinal properties of the gentian root. Its scientific name, Gentiana kurroo, comes from the native term "karu", meaning "bitter". This perennial herb is critically endangered.
Description
A herb. The leaves at the base are sword shaped and 10-12 cm long. There are several stems and the leaves on the stems are in 2-3 pairs. The stems are 5-30 cm long. The flowers are deep blue and paler in the throat. There are usually 2 or 3 flowers on each stem. They are funnel shaped and 5 cm across.
Edible Uses
No edible uses are known for this plant.
Traditional Uses
The flowers are cooked as a vegetable. The root is probably medicine.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
This species is among several that serve as sources of medicinal gentian root; the following notes reflect the general uses of G. lutea, the most commonly used species in the West. Gentian root has a long history as a herbal bitter in the treatment of digestive disorders and is an ingredient in many proprietary medicines. It contains some of the most bitter compounds known and serves as a scientific benchmark for measuring bitterness. It is especially useful in states of exhaustion from chronic disease and in cases of debility, weakness of the digestive system, and poor appetite. It is one of the finest strengtheners of the human system, stimulating the liver, gall bladder, and digestive system, and combines well with a purgative to offset that treatment's debilitating effects. The root is anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bitter tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, refrigerant, and stomachic. Taken internally, it treats liver complaints, indigestion, gastric infections, and anorexia. It should not be prescribed for patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers. The root is harvested in autumn and dried for later use. Roots from plants that have not yet flowered are thought to be the richest in medicinal properties.
Distribution
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in the Himalayas between 1,800-2,700 m above sea level. In Northeastern India it grows between 3,800-3,900 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zone 6-9.
Where It Grows
Asia, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia,
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. 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. Most species will grow well in the rock garden. This species requires a stony soil with perfect drainage. It is best given some protection from winter wet. This plant has a reputation for not being hardy in Britain, though this is more likely to be connected to excess moisture than to low temperatures. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance.
Propagation
Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a light position in a cold frame. It can also be sown in late winter or early spring, though germination is best after a period of cold stratification; stored seed loses viability quickly, with older seed germinating slowly and erratically. Keeping seed at around 10°c for a few days after sowing allows it to absorb moisture. Following this with at least 5–6 weeks of temperatures between 0 and -5°c will usually produce reasonable germination. Clay pots are preferable to plastic, as plastic drains less freely and the resulting moisture encourages moss growth that can prevent germination. Sow seed on the surface or cover with only the lightest dressing of compost. Seed requires darkness to germinate, so cover pots with newspaper or keep them in the dark. Pot 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. Seedlings are slow-growing, taking 2–7 years to reach flowering size. Move plants to their permanent positions in late spring or early summer once large enough. Division in March is possible, though most members of this genus have either a single tap-root or a compact root system united in a single root head, making them generally unsuitable for division. Basal shoot cuttings can be taken in late spring.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
The root is used in medicine. It is an endangered species.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Chireta, Kadu, Karadihanni, Karu, Kirayet, Kiriyatu, Kore, Kutki, Panginmento, Sayga-gyi, Se-pale, Trayaman
References (2)
- Seidemann J., 2005, World Spice Plants. Economic Usage, Botany, Taxonomy. Springer. p 163
- Tsering, J., et al, 2017, Ethnobotanical appraisal on wild edible plants used by the Monpa community of Arunchal Pradesh. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. Vol 16(4), October 2017, pp 626-637
