Wildflower of the valley
Spurred Gentian
Halenia elliptica
- How easy to find
- Rare — you will see it only in some places
- Flower size
- Small
- Family
- Gentianaceae (Gentian family)
- Local name
- Hasela
- Type
- Herb
- Height
- 10–90 cm
- Flower colour
- white
- Flowering
- July to October
About Spurred Gentian
Halenia elliptica is an annual herb of 10 - 90 cm tall with sub-quadrangular stems. Leaves are opposite, sessile and elliptic ovate. Flowers are pale blue, in axillary or in terminal, branched clusters. Spurs are attractive projecting back and outwards. Stamens are 4. The specific name Elliptica refers to elliptic shape of the leaves.
Where to find it
- Near the entrance of the valley
Habitat
Open places and moist places.
Uses & folklore
Locally seeds are used to alleviate fever. In Tibet entire plant is used for treating fever, inflammations and stomach disorder.
What the name means
Halenia honours Jonas Halenius, an 18th-century Swedish naturalist; elliptica means "elliptical", after the leaf shape.
