Basic Information
Species : Bergenia purpurascens ( Hook f. & Thomson)Engler
Local Name :
Synonym : Saxifraga purpurascens Hook f. & Thomson
Family : Saxifragaceae
Habitat : A herb found on rocks, ledges and cliffs
Distribution : Distributed to temperate and sub alpine region
Sikkim : On the way to Kisheong, Changu to Kupup, Nathang to Padamchen, Lachen to Thangu, Yuksom to Bakhim, Ravongla, 5-lakes
(North Sikkim), Kyongnnosla -Tamjey.
Out side : Bhutan (Ha and Bumthang district, upper Mo Chu, Upper Pho Chu, Upper Bumthang Chu and Upper Kulong Chu districts).
Morphological information
Flowering stems 7- 30 cm, reddish brown, glandular pubescent. Leaves
elliptic or ovate- elliptic, 7- 25 x 5- 17 cm rounded, base cuneate or rounded, margin entire or shallowly sinuate, glabrous or ciliate near base; petioles 1.5-10 cm, basal 1- 4 cm sheathing. Flowers 1- 8, nodding. Calyx 8-14 mm, dull crimson, lobes oblong, rounded. Petals obovate, 15 -25x7- 9 mm, tapering to a basal claw 2- 3 mm bright pink. Stamens 9-14 mm. Capsules ellipsoid, 1 cm, tapering above in to styles + as long, base surrounded by persistent calyx.
Flowering : May- July
Fruiting : May-July
History
:
Parts : Root.
Status : Endangered.
Medicinal
Juice of the root helps in any form of stomach disorder, it is also mixed with milk and given to women after delivery to ease body ache and to stop bleeding. Roots are first collected and crushed till they give out juice, which is taken orally.
Reference
1. Grierson, A.J.C. & D.G. Long (1987). Flora of Bhutan (Vol. 1, Part 3). Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. 492.
2. Progress Report of the Project "Studies on Medicinal Plants of Sikkim" (1998 -2001). State Council of Science and Technology for Sikkim.