Gentiana thunbergii

Physical Characteristics

Gentiana thunbergii is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bumblebees, butterflies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea and Manchuria.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young plants and flower buds - cooked[177].

Medicinal Uses

Although we have no record of medicinal use for this species, like most other members of this genus the root probably contains various bitter compounds and can be used as a general tonic for the digestive system[K]. See G. lutea for more details of potential uses.

Known Hazards

None known