Common Name:

General Information

Swertia cordata is an annual plant with erect,much- branched stems; it can grow around 30 - 60cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - eastern Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, India, Nepal to northern Myanmar and southern China

Habitat

Sporadic in subtropical and temperate forests, in open forest margins, cool and moist places, or in shady moist slopes among tall grasses; at elevations from 1,400 - 3,270 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.45 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Swertia species are generally plants of moderate to high elevations where they are often found on damp slopes and humus-rich, peat mosses. They grow best in areas with cool summers and perennial species are generally cold-hardy to temperatures down to around -15°c[].
Swertia species generally grow well in humus-rich soils in damp, open woodland, by streams or in bog gardens[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant (part not specified) is used as an antipyretic, and also in the treatment of coughs, joint pain, leukoderma, and stomachache[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in trays in spring in a humus-rich medium in temperatures not exceeding 10°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.