| Many-Stem Swertia |
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Botanical name: Swertia multicaulis Family: Gentianaceae (Gentian family)
Many-Stem Swertia is distinguished from other
swertias by its many short spreading stems, 5-12 cm, which arise
directly from the root. Flowers are slaty-blue, long-stalked, in a much
branched inflorescence. Petals are 8-13 mm long, blunt, with a single
nectary at the base, fringed with hairs. Sepals are narrow-oblong, 6-8
mm. Leaves are narrowly spoon-shaped, about 5 cm, narrowed to a winged
leaf-stalk. Many-Stem Swertia is found in eastern Himalayas, from C
Nepal to SE Tibet, at altitudes of 4000-4800 m. Flowering:
June-September.
| Identification credit: Usha Lachungpa | Photographed beyond Goecha La, Sikkim. |
• Is this flower misidentified? If yes,