Gentiana thunbergii
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
In general, gentians require a moist well-drained soil in a sheltered position, a certain minimum of atmospheric humidity, high light intensity but a site where temperatures are not too high. A moisture loving plant, preferring to grow with full exposure to the sun but with plenty of underground moisture in the summer, it grows better in the north and west of Britain. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a light position in a cold frame. When the plants are of sufficient size, place them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in March. Cuttings of basal shoots in late spring.
Edible uses
Young plants and flower buds - cooked.
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.
Habitat
Sunny places in lowland and mountains, C. and N. Japan.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea and Manchuria.