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Description
Swertia Iberica is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Gentianaceae. It is native to the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. The plant produces a basal rosette of leaves and a tall flowering stem that can reach up to 60 cm in height. The stem is usually unbranched and bears several clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Gentianaceae |
| Genus | Swertia |
Appearance
Swertia Iberica has a basal rosette of leaves that are 2-8 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The leaves are lanceolate to oblong in shape and have smooth edges. The stem is usually unbranched and bears several clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers. The flowers are about 1 cm in diameter and have five petals. The plant blooms from June to August.
Care Guide
Swertia Iberica prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It requires moderate watering and should be fertilized once a month during the growing season. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Swertia Iberica is generally pest and disease-free when grown in its preferred conditions. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
Swertia Iberica is native to rocky and dry habitats in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. It grows in grasslands, woodlands, and scrublands.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Swertia Iberica be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Swertia Iberica can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage.
Q: Is Swertia Iberica a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Swertia Iberica has been used in traditional medicine for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.
Q: How often should Swertia Iberica be fertilized?
A: Swertia Iberica should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Swertia Iberica?
A: Swertia Iberica is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Related Plants
- Swertia perennis
- Swertia chirayita
- Swertia japonica
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/swertia-iberica
- https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Swertia%20iberica.html
- https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c766
