Common Name:

General Information

Swertia purpurascens is an erect annual plant growing 30 - 60cm tall. The stems are unbranched, or with branches in the top portion[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Himalayan regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet

Habitat

Rocky slopes, open spaces and clearings in broad leaved forests, open slopes, meadows; at elevations from 2,400 - 4,000 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 whole plant is used in the treatment of liver and urinary system disorders, fevers, headaches and gastritis[]. A
decoction of the plant is used to treat fever, jaundice, malarial fever, diabetes, coughs and colds, and headache[]. (As Swertia ciliata)

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.