Gentianella quinquefolia

Gentianella amarella, also known as the bitter gentian, is a species of flowering plant in the Gentianaceae family. It is native to various regions across the globe, including Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant is known for its distinctive blue or purple flowers and its bitter taste, which has been utilized in traditional medicine.

Description

The Gentianella amarella is a biennial or perennial plant that typically grows to a height of 10-30 cm. Its leaves are opposite, lanceolate, and sessile. The flowers, which bloom from July to September, are blue or purple and are borne in a terminal inflorescence. The corolla is bell-shaped and has four to five lobes. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous small seeds.

Distribution and Habitat

Gentianella amarella is found in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and alpine regions. It prefers well-drained, calcareous soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, but it has also been introduced to North America, where it is found in the northern United States and Canada.

Uses

The bitter taste of Gentianella amarella has made it a valuable plant in traditional medicine. It has been used as a digestive tonic and appetite stimulant, and it is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, these uses have not been scientifically validated.

Conservation Status

While Gentianella amarella is not currently considered endangered, its populations are declining in some areas due to habitat loss and overharvesting for medicinal use.

See Also

• Gentianaceae
• Traditional medicine
• Conservation status

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