Gentian

See text

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gentian is the common name for the genus Gentiana L. 1753, belonging to the Gentian family (Gentianaceae), tribe Gentianeae and monophyletic subtribe Gentianinae. This a large genus, with some 400 species.

Related Topics:
L. - Gentianaceae

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This is a cosmopolitan genus, occurring in alpine habitats of temperate regions of Asia, Europe and North America. Some species occur in northwest Africa, eastern Australia and the Andes. They consist of annual, biennial and perennial plants. Some are evergreen, others are not.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Their leaves are arranged in an opposite way. Most of them belong to a basal rosette.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gentians are grown for their attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers which are usually deep blue or azure, but may vary from white, creamy and yellow to red. These terminal tubular flowers are mostly 5-merous, i.e. with 5 petals and 5 sepals. The style is rather short or absent. The corolla show folds (= plicae) between the lobes. The ovary is mostly sessile and has nectary glands.

Related Topics:
Flower - Petal - Sepal - Corolla

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gentians are fully hardy and like full sun or partial shade, and neutral to acid soil that is rich in humus and well drained.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gentian is used as a flavouring, for example in bitters, and the soft drink "Moxie" which contains "Gentian Root Extractives".

Related Topics:
Bitters - Soft drink - Moxie

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gentians are popular in rock gardens. Some varieties are of medicinal use and their roots were harvested for the manufacture of tonic liquor, for instance in France "Suze" or similar liquors.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

According to Pliny the Elder Gentian is named after Gentius (180-68 BC), the King of Illyria, said to have discovered its healing properties.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~