Common Name:

General Information

Swertia hookeri is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a stout taproot; it produces a basal rosette of leaves and a single, erect, robust stem around 80 - 130cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its stout stems of blue-veined, maroon flowers[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayan regions of Nepal, northeast India, Tibet

Habitat

Meadows; at elevations from 4,000 - 4,200 metrs[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, 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 roots are used in the treatment of jaundice[, ]

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.
Division of large clumps in spring, taking care not to damage any taproots[].