Bimaculata Swertia (Swertia bimaculata)

Family: Gentianaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Swertia bimaculata is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root - cooked. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Wet grassy places in lowland and mountains all over Japan. Beside streams, swamp, meadows, scrub and forests at elevations of 200 - 3000 metres in China. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)