''Gentiana scabra'', the Japanese gentian, is a species of flowering plant in the Gentian family (
Gentianaceae
Gentianaceae is a family of flowering plants of 103 genera and about 1600 species.
Etymology
The family takes its name from the genus '' Gentiana'', named after the Illyrian king Gentius.
Distribution
Distribution is cosmopolitan.
Characteri ...
), found in much of East Asia. The flowers bloom in mid-summer, autumn and are blue or dark blue in color.
Medicinal use
''Gentiana scabra'' roots are used as a bitter tonic in Chinese herbalism where it is said to promote digestive secretions and treats a range of illnesses associated with the liver.
References
scabra
Flora of the United States
Flora of Japan
Taxa named by Alexander von Bunge
{{Gentianales-stub