Gentiana purpurea

Purple gentian (Gentiana purpurea)

The purple gentian (Gentiana purpurea ) belongs to the genus of gentians (Gentiana ).

Description

The purple gentian is 20-60 cm high and has a simple, very strong stem axis, which is foliated decussate. The 1-3 purple flowers sit in the upper leaf-axils.

Occurrence

This species is represented mainly in the western Alps (up to the Arlberg) Apennines and Norway and preferably lime-free soils between 1200-2800 m above sea level. The leaves are ovate lanceolate and 5nervig. The flowers are bell-shaped and purple with dark spots. These have delicate rose scent and are pollinated by bumblebees. The tiny seeds weigh only 0.00048 g flowering period is July to September.

Possible confusion

The purple gentian is particularly the dot - gentian ( G. punctata ) and the Eastern Alps gentian (G. pannonica ) similar.

Others

The root is considered the best for the production of gentian schnapps.