Contents
Description
Swertia Tozanensis, also known as Tozan bitterwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Japan. It is a member of the Gentianaceae family, which includes over 1,000 species of flowering plants. Swertia Tozanensis thrives in damp and shaded environments, and it can often be found growing in the understory of forests and along streams and wetlands.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Gentianaceae |
| Genus | Swertia |
Appearance
Swertia Tozanensis grows up to 50 cm tall, with dark green leaves that are ovate to lanceolate in shape. The plant produces small, yellow-green flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem, and they have a distinctive star-shaped appearance. The plant’s stem is square in shape and can be either smooth or slightly hairy.
Care Guide
To care for Swertia Tozanensis, it is important to provide the plant with adequate water and fertilization. It prefers moist soil that is well-drained, and it should be watered regularly to maintain soil moisture. Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, typically in the spring and summer months. Swertia Tozanensis prefers partial to full shade and can be grown in hardiness zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Swertia Tozanensis is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to fungal infections if grown in overly damp or humid conditions. Common pests that may affect this plant include slugs and snails, which can be controlled with commercial slug baits or by handpicking.
Habitat
Swertia Tozanensis is native to Japan, where it grows in shaded and damp environments, such as forests, stream banks, and wetlands. It can also be found in other parts of Asia, including China and Korea. The plant prefers cool temperatures and partial to full shade, making it an ideal choice for woodland gardens and shady borders.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Swertia Tozanensis tolerate full sunlight?
A: No, Swertia Tozanensis prefers partial to full shade and should not be grown in full sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Swertia Tozanensis?
A: Swertia Tozanensis prefers moist soil that is well-drained, and it should be watered regularly to maintain soil moisture.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize Swertia Tozanensis?
A: Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, typically in the spring and summer months.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Swertia Tozanensis?
A: Swertia Tozanensis can be grown in hardiness zones 5-9.
Related Plants
- Swertia perennis
- Swertia chirayita
- Swertia japonica
References
- “Swertia tozanensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c675.
- “Swertia tozanensis.” Plant Delights Nursery, www.plantdelights.com/products/swertia-tozanensis.
- “Swertia tozanensis.” Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, www.kew.org/science/collections/data-and-resources/herbarium-databases-and-collections/swertia-tozanensis.
