Common Name:

General Information

Gentiana depressa is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant growing from a much-banched, stoloniferous rootstock; the plant is stemless, or with very short, unbranched stems, it forms a mat of growth around 2 - 6cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southern China (Tibet), Nepal, Bhutan, northern India

Habitat

Steep banks, cliff faces; at elevations from 3,000 - 4,500 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.02 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Gentiana depressa is a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -25°c when fully dormant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The flowers or the whole plant are used medicinally. Traditionally they are most commonly used as an appetizer and digestive, whilst they are also used in the treatment of coughs, colds and fevers[]. They are usually taken in the form of a juice, otherwise by a decoction or the dried, powdered plant[].
The most common mode of preparation for the purpose of home remedy was accounted by juice (48%), decoction (32%) followed by powder (20%)[].

The plant is known to contain alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and steriods[]

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -