Gentiana lutea (great yellow gentian)

Japanese name: ゲンチアナ
Scientific name: Gentiana lutea

[Overview]
A perennial 0.5–2 m tall.
The stem is erect.
Leaves are simple and opposite, ovate to elliptic, 10–30 cm long and 4–12 cm wide.
5–7 veins are conspicuous on the leaves.
The yellow flowers are borne in many whorl-like clusters in the axils of the upper leaves.
The corolla is star-shaped, 2.5 cm long, and divided into 3–7 lobes almost to the base.
The fruit is a capsule.

[History]
It is said to have been used as a medicine in the 2nd century BC by Gentius, king of the Illyrian kingdom.

[Uses]
The roots and rhizomes are used medicinally.

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