Swertia paniculata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Ophelia paniculata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianales. Finally, it is a member of the family Gentianaceae, falling under the genus Swertia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across various regions within the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing in the lush landscapes of Assam and throughout the East Himalaya. Additionally, its presence extends into the mountainous terrain of Nepal. The species is also documented within the West Himalaya region. Finally, its geographical range reaches into the parts of the Indian Subcontinent located in Pakistan.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Swertia paniculata is characterized by its preference for high-altitude montane environments, where it thrives within specific altitudinal constraints. This species is typically found inhabiting subalpine and alpine zones, occupying an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 1500 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 3500 m AMSL. Within this vertical distribution, the plant adapts to the unique climatic conditions of mountain ecosystems, including cooler temperatures, higher UV exposure, and varying moisture availability typical of these mid-to-high elevations. Its presence is often indicative of specific soil compositions and microclimates found within these montane habitats, allowing it to fulfill its niche in the high-altitude vegetation structure.

Elevational range max:

3500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1500 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Swertia paniculata is characterized by its growth form as a herb, presenting a non-woody structure throughout its development. It functions as a terrestrial plant, growing in the soil rather than as an epiphyte. While it exhibits certain climbing tendencies, it is classified as a self-supporting climber, meaning it does not rely on other structures for obligatory support but possesses the capacity to lean or ascend within its habitat.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Swertia paniculata has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Mangiferin, Gentiopicroside, Silver nanoparticles, Sweroside, Swertiamarin.

Mangiferin

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
2. Pharmacognosy magazine

Gentiopicroside

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Silver nanoparticles

1. Microbial pathogenesis

Sweroside

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Swertiamarin

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Activities

Swertia paniculata has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic.

Antidiabetic

1. Pharmacognosy magazine

Conditions

Swertia paniculata has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cold, shivering.

Cold

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Shivering

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Swertia paniculata has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Swertia paniculata herbal extract.

Swertia paniculata herbal extract

1. Microbial pathogenesis