Saxifragaceae

Saxifrage Family

Bergenia pacumbis

(Buch.-Ham.ex D.Don) C.Y. Wu. & J.T. Pan

Chinese Bergenia

Nepali:

Chinese Bergenia loves growing in between rocks, thus its Sanskrit name is "passan-ved" meaning rock and split/break (also refers to its medicinal uses below). It is a showy plant with large leathery leaves and pretty pink and white flowers clustered on tall cymes above the leaves and rocks. It is found across the Himalayas at altitudes ranging from 1700m to 2400m. It flowers early in May. This plant also has many medicinal uses. Its large rhizomes are used to make treatments for fevers, diarrhea, and pulmonary problems. In traditional medicine, it is used to dissolve gall and kidney stones.

Saxifraga parnassifolia D.Don

Himalayan Saxifrage

Nepali:

A small 10-40 cm in height plant with bright yellow flowers. The heart-shaped leaves are wrapped around the stem. It is found on open slopes or in shrubberies at altitudes of 1900m-4500m. It is common in Nepal and flowers from August to October.