Gentiana tubiflora

Gentiana tubiflora is a small perennial in the gentian family, Gentianaceae. Its native range runs from the Himalaya into southern and southeastern Tibet. Plants For A Future lists China, Bhutan, India and Nepal. Kew places it in subalpine or subarctic regions. It grows on grassy slopes, dry hillsides and alpine meadows. These sites lie about 13,780–17,390 feet [4,200–5,300 metres] above sea level. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Plants For A Future gives its height as about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres]. The reported spread is also about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres]. This makes it a low plant with a small footprint. Its perennial habit means it lives for more than two years. The supplied sources give no species-level details of its leaves or stems. They also give no account of its fruit or seeds' appearance.

Flowers appear from July to August, according to Plants For A Future. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bumblebees and butterflies pollinate the flowers. The evidence does not describe their colour or shape. The RHS gives flower traits for the genus, not this species. Those traits do not establish what this plant's flowers look like.

In cultivation, this species prefers moist soil that drains well. Plants For A Future lists sandy, loamy and clay soils as suitable. It accepts mildly acid to neutral soil. It can grow in light shade or full sun. The same source lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. It records cultivated beds as a garden setting. Its small size leaves it suited to a modest planting space. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases.

Plants For A Future recommends sowing fresh seed in a bright cold frame. Late winter or early spring sowing is another option. A cold period helps seed germinate. Stored seed loses viability fast and may sprout slowly and unevenly. The source reports no known food uses or hazards. That does not establish that eating it is safe. It records whole-plant use in Tibetan medicine for fever and inflammation. Other recorded uses include headaches and throat complaints. These are traditional uses, not proof of treatment benefits. No other uses are recorded, and the source does not flag weed potential.