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Common Name:

General Information

Saussurea obvallata is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - western Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim at elevations of 3,000 - 4,500 metres.

Habitat

Alpine meadows and slopes, rocky slopes and along the sides of rivers and streams. Grassland, rocky places on mountain slopes, by streams, scree; 3200 - 4700 metres in the eastern Himalayas[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have almost no 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 the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. According to the RBG Edinburgh, the correct author of this plant name is (DC.) Edgew.
Succeeds in most soils in a sunny well-drained position[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine where it is considered to have a bitter taste and a heating potency[]. It is used in the treatment of paralysis of the limbs and cerebral ischaemia[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in the spring. Surface sow, or only just cover the seed, and make sure that the compost does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring might be possible.