Swertia japonica
Makino
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Summary
Source: WikipediaSwertia japonica, also known as senburi (センブリ), is a biennial plant species in the family Gentianaceae. It is one of the most widely-used medicinal herbs in Japan.
Description
Swertia japonica is a compact annual reaching only 0.2 m tall. As a hermaphroditic species, it grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with mildly acidic to basic pH. It tolerates semi-shade and prefers moist to wet soil.
Edible Uses
The leaves may be edible cooked as a potherb.
Medicinal Uses
The whole plant is bitter and stomachic, and is used in the treatment of digestive disorders.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, Japan, Korea,
Propagation
Sow seed in spring in temperatures not exceeding 10°C in a humus-rich medium. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once large enough to handle and plant out in early summer.
Other Uses
None known
