Botanical name

Chironia decumbens

Family

Gentianaceae

Common Name

Centuary, Bitterwortel.
Chironia decumbens
Chironia decumbens
Chironia decumbens
Chironia decumbens
Chironia decumbens
Chironia decumbens

Description

Decumbent, non-sticky perennial rooting at nodes, up to 30cm. Pairs of linear to elliptic, soft leaves; pink flowers are borne on stalks 2.5cm long; calyx lobes split almost to the base; stigma is broadly round and flattened.

The fleshy rhizome was used traditionally as a purgative in the treatment of haemorrhoids, and as a bitter tonic, hence common name Bitterwortel.

Habitat

Coastal flats and vleis

Flower Date

October to January.

Introduced Plant

No