Gentiana

Gentiana is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the gentian family Gentianaceae, named after Gentius, an Illyrian king who was thought to have discovered its medicinal value. Gentians are notable for their mostly large, trumpet-shaped flowers, which are often of an intense blue.

Description

Gentians have opposite leaves that are sometimes arranged in a basal rosette, and trumpet-shaped flowers that are usually deep blue or azure, but may vary from white, creamy and yellow to red. Many species also show considerable polymorphism with respect to flower color.

Distribution and habitat

The genus, which includes between 400 and 500 species, is distributed in temperate regions of Asia, Europe and the Americas. Some species also occur in northwestern Africa, eastern Australia and New Zealand. They are annual, biennial, and perennial plants. Some are evergreen, others are not.

Uses

Gentians are fully hardy and like full sun or partial shade, and neutral to acid soil that is rich in humus and well drained. They are popular in rock gardens. Several species of gentians are used to produce a type of liqueur known as gentian.

Medicinal uses

Gentians have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. They are best known for their ability to stimulate the appetite and improve digestion. Some species also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Species

There are many species of gentians, the most famous being the Gentiana lutea, also known as the great yellow gentian. Other notable species include Gentiana acaulis, the stemless gentian, and Gentiana verna, the spring gentian.

References

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