356 Species of Genus Gentiana

Gentiana: A World of Blue Blossoms

My name is Ferb Vu, and I’m fascinated by the Gentiana genus. These hardy plants, with their vibrant blue flowers, have captivated me since I first encountered them high in the Alps. Their ability to thrive in harsh conditions, their striking beauty, and their historical significance all contribute to their allure.

A Diverse Genus

Gentiana is a large genus, boasting over 300 species. These species are diverse, ranging from low-growing alpine plants to taller species found in meadows and woodlands. They are distributed worldwide, primarily in temperate and alpine regions of Europe, Asia, and the Americas:

  1. Gentiana acaulis L.
  2. Gentiana affinis Griseb.
  3. Gentiana alba Muhl. ex J.McNab
  4. Gentiana albescens (Franch.) Franch. ex Kusn.
  5. Gentiana albicalyx Burkill
  6. Gentiana algida Pall.
  7. Gentiana alii (Omer & Qaiser) T.N.Ho
  8. Gentiana alpina Vill.
  9. Gentiana alsinoides Franch.
  10. Gentiana altigena Harry Sm.
  11. Gentiana altorum Harry Sm. ex C.Marquand
  12. Gentiana × ambigua Hayek
  13. Gentiana amplicrater Burkill
  14. Gentiana andrewsii Griseb.
  15. Gentiana angustifolia Vill.
  16. Gentiana anisostemon C.Marquand
  17. Gentiana aperta Maxim.
  18. Gentiana apiata N.E.Br.
  19. Gentiana aquatica L.
  20. Gentiana arenicola Kerr
  21. Gentiana arethusae Burkill
  22. Gentiana argentea (Royle ex D.Don) Royle ex D.Don
  23. Gentiana arisanensis Hayata
  24. Gentiana aristata Maxim.
  25. Gentiana arunii D.Maity, S.K.Dey, J.Ghosh & Midday
  26. Gentiana asclepiadea L.
  27. Gentiana asterocalyx Diels
  28. Gentiana atlantica Litard. & Maire
  29. Gentiana atuntsiensis W.W.Sm.
  30. Gentiana austromontana J.S.Pringle & Sharp
  31. Gentiana autumnalis L.
  32. Gentiana baeuerlenii L.G.Adams
  33. Gentiana bambuseti T.Y.Hsieh, T.C.Hsu, S.M.Ku & C.I Peng
  34. Gentiana bavarica L.
  35. Gentiana beamanii J.S.Pringle
  36. Gentiana bella Franch.
  37. Gentiana bicentenaria A.Estrada & A.Rojas
  38. Gentiana bicuspidata (G.Don) Briq.
  39. Gentiana × billingtonii Farw.
  40. Gentiana boissieri Schott & Kotschy ex Boiss.
  41. Gentiana bokorensis Hul
  42. Gentiana bolavenensis A.Nagah., Tagane & Soulad.
  43. Gentiana borneensis Hook.f.
  44. Gentiana boryi Boiss.
  45. Gentiana brachyphylla Vill.
  46. Gentiana bredboensis L.G.Adams
  47. Gentiana brentae Prosser & Bertolli
  48. Gentiana bryoides Burkill
  49. Gentiana burseri Lapeyr.
  50. Gentiana cachemirica Decne.
  51. Gentiana caelestis (C.Marquand) Harry Sm.
  52. Gentiana caeruleogrisea T.N.Ho
  53. Gentiana caliculata Lex.
  54. Gentiana calycosa Griseb.
  55. Gentiana capitata Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don
  56. Gentiana carinata (D.Don ex G.Don) Griseb.
  57. Gentiana carinicostata Wernham
  58. Gentiana catesbaei Walter
  59. Gentiana cephalantha Franch.
  60. Gentiana cephalodes Edgew.
  61. Gentiana × charpentieri E.Thomas ex Hegetschw.
  62. Gentiana chinensis Kusn.
  63. Gentiana choanantha C.Marquand
  64. Gentiana chungtienensis C.Marquand
  65. Gentiana clarkei Kusn.
  66. Gentiana clausa Raf.
  67. Gentiana clusii Perr. & Songeon
  68. Gentiana confertifolia C.Marquand
  69. Gentiana coronata Royle
  70. Gentiana crassa Kurz
  71. Gentiana crassicaulis Duthie ex Burkill
  72. Gentiana crassula Harry Sm.
  73. Gentiana crassuloides Bureau & Franch.
  74. Gentiana cristata Harry Sm.
  75. Gentiana cruciata L.
  76. Gentiana cruttwellii Harry Sm.
  77. Gentiana cuneibarba Harry Sm.
  78. Gentiana × curtisii J.S.Pringle
  79. Gentiana dahurica Fisch.
  80. Gentiana davidi Franch.
  81. Gentiana decemfida Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don
  82. Gentiana decora Pollard
  83. Gentiana decumbens L.f.
  84. Gentiana delavayi Franch.
  85. Gentiana deltoidea Harry Sm.
  86. Gentiana dendrologi C.Marquand
  87. Gentiana densiflora T.N.Ho
  88. Gentiana depressa D.Don
  89. Gentiana × digenea Jakow.
  90. Gentiana divaricata T.N.Ho
  91. Gentiana diversifolia Merr.
  92. Gentiana douglasiana Bong.
  93. Gentiana dschungarica Regel
  94. Gentiana dshimilensis K.Koch
  95. Gentiana duclouxii Franch.
  96. Gentiana durangensis Villarreal
  97. Gentiana ecaudata C.Marquand
  98. Gentiana elmeriana Halda
  99. Gentiana elwesii C.B.Clarke
  100. Gentiana emodi C.Marquand ex Sealy
  101. Gentiana ettingshausenii F.Muell.
  102. Gentiana exigua Harry Sm.
  103. Gentiana faucipilosa Harry Sm.
  104. Gentiana fieldiana J.S.Pringle
  105. Gentiana filistyla Balf.f. & Forrest
  106. Gentiana flavomaculata Hayata
  107. Gentiana flexicaulis Harry Sm.
  108. Gentiana formosa Harry Sm.
  109. Gentiana forrestii C.Marquand
  110. Gentiana franchetiana Kusn.
  111. Gentiana fremontii Torr.
  112. Gentiana frigida Haenke
  113. Gentiana froelichii Jan ex Rchb.
  114. Gentiana futtereri Diels & Gilg
  115. Gentiana × gaudiniana E.Thomas ex W.D.J.Koch
  116. Gentiana gayi Griseb.
  117. Gentiana gelida M.Bieb.
  118. Gentiana georgei Diels
  119. Gentiana gilvostriata C.Marquand
  120. Gentiana glauca Pall.
  121. Gentiana grandiflora Laxm.
  122. Gentiana × grandilacustris J.S.Pringle
  123. Gentiana grata Harry Sm.
  124. Gentiana × grisebachiana Rouy
  125. Gentiana grumii Kusn.
  126. Gentiana gyirongensis T.N.Ho
  127. Gentiana handeliana Harry Sm.
  128. Gentiana haraldi-smithii Halda
  129. Gentiana harrowiana Diels
  130. Gentiana haynaldii Kanitz
  131. Gentiana heleonastes Harry Sm.
  132. Gentiana helophila Balf.f. & Forrest
  133. Gentiana hesseliana Hosseus
  134. Gentiana hexaphylla Maxim. ex Kusn.
  135. Gentiana himalayensis T.N.Ho
  136. Gentiana hirsuta Ma & E.W.Ma ex T.N.Ho
  137. Gentiana hohoxiliensis S.K.Wu & R.F.Huang
  138. Gentiana hooperi J.S.Pringle
  139. Gentiana hsinganica J.H.Yu
  140. Gentiana hugelii Griseb.
  141. Gentiana huxleyi Kusn.
  142. Gentiana × hybrida Schleich. ex DC.
  143. Gentiana intricata C.Marquand
  144. Gentiana jamesii Hemsl.
  145. Gentiana jarmilae Halda
  146. Gentiana jingdongensis T.N.Ho
  147. Gentiana jouyana Hul
  148. Gentiana kaohsiungensis Chih H.Chen & J.C.Wang
  149. Gentiana kauffmanniana Regel & Schmalh.
  150. Gentiana khammouanensis Hul
  151. Gentiana kirilowii Turcz.
  152. Gentiana kurroo Royle
  153. Gentiana kurumbae Anilkumar & Udayan
  154. Gentiana lacerulata Harry Sm.
  155. Gentiana laciniata Kit. ex Kanitz
  156. Gentiana × laengstii Hausm.
  157. Gentiana laevigata M.Martens & Galeotti
  158. Gentiana lagodechiana (Kusn.) Grossh.
  159. Gentiana langbianensis A.Chev. ex S.Hul
  160. Gentiana laotica Soulad., Tagane & Yahara
  161. Gentiana lateriflora Hemsl.
  162. Gentiana latidens (House) J.S.Pringle & Weakley
  163. Gentiana lawrencei Burkill
  164. Gentiana laxiflora T.N.Ho
  165. Gentiana leroyana Hul
  166. Gentiana leucomelaena Maxim. ex Kusn.
  167. Gentiana lhassica Burkill
  168. Gentiana liangshanensis Z.Y.Zhu
  169. Gentiana licentii Harry Sm.
  170. Gentiana ligustica R.Vilm. & Chopinet
  171. Gentiana linearis Froel.
  172. Gentiana lineolata Franch.
  173. Gentiana linoides Franch.
  174. Gentiana loerzingii Ridl.
  175. Gentiana longicollis G.L.Nesom
  176. Gentiana loureiroi (G.Don) Griseb.
  177. Gentiana lowryi Hul
  178. Gentiana lutea L.
  179. Gentiana lycopodioides Stapf
  180. Gentiana macgregoryi Hemsl.
  181. Gentiana macrophylla Pall.
  182. Gentiana maeulchanensis Franch.
  183. Gentiana mairei H.Lév.
  184. Gentiana makinoi Kusn.
  185. Gentiana manshurica Kitag.
  186. Gentiana × marcailhouana Rouy
  187. Gentiana × marceli-jouseaui Halda
  188. Gentiana × media Arv.-Touv.
  189. Gentiana meiantha (C.B.Clarke) Harry Sm.
  190. Gentiana melandriifolia Franch.
  191. Gentiana membranulifera T.N.Ho
  192. Gentiana micans C.B.Clarke
  193. Gentiana micantiformis Burkill
  194. Gentiana micrantha Aitch. ex Hemsl.
  195. Gentiana microdonta Franch.
  196. Gentiana microphyta Franch.
  197. Gentiana mirandae Paray
  198. Gentiana moniliformis C.Marquand
  199. Gentiana muscicola C.Marquand
  200. Gentiana myrioclada Franch.
  201. Gentiana namlaensis C.Marquand
  202. Gentiana nanobella C.Marquand
  203. Gentiana nerterifolia P.Royen
  204. Gentiana newberryi A.Gray
  205. Gentiana nipponica Maxim.
  206. Gentiana nivalis L.
  207. Gentiana nubigena Edgew.
  208. Gentiana nudicaulis Kurz
  209. Gentiana nyalamensis T.N.Ho
  210. Gentiana obconica T.N.Ho
  211. Gentiana occidentalis Jakow.
  212. Gentiana officinalis Harry Sm.
  213. Gentiana olgae Regel & Schmalh.
  214. Gentiana oligophylla Harry Sm.
  215. Gentiana olivieri Griseb.
  216. Gentiana oreocharis Halda & Jurášek
  217. Gentiana oreodoxa Harry Sm.
  218. Gentiana ornata (G.Don) Wall. ex Griseb.
  219. Gentiana ovatiloba Kusn.
  220. Gentiana pachyphylla Merr.
  221. Gentiana × pallidocyanea J.S.Pringle
  222. Gentiana pannonica Scop.
  223. Gentiana panthaica Prain & Burkill
  224. Gentiana papillosa Franch.
  225. Gentiana paradoxa Albov
  226. Gentiana parryae C.Marquand
  227. Gentiana parryi Engelm.
  228. Gentiana parvula Harry Sm.
  229. Gentiana pedata Harry Sm.
  230. Gentiana pedicellata (D.Don) Griseb.
  231. Gentiana pennelliana Fernald
  232. Gentiana perpusilla Brandegee
  233. Gentiana phyllocalyx C.B.Clarke
  234. Gentiana piasezkii Maxim.
  235. Gentiana picta Franch.
  236. Gentiana platypetala Griseb.
  237. Gentiana plurisetosa C.T.Mason
  238. Gentiana pneumonanthe L.
  239. Gentiana praeclara C.Marquand
  240. Gentiana praticola Franch.
  241. Gentiana prattii Kusn.
  242. Gentiana pringlei M.Shabir, P.Agnihotri, J.K.Tiwari & T.Husain
  243. Gentiana producta T.N.Ho
  244. Gentiana prolata Balf.f.
  245. Gentiana prostrata Haenke
  246. Gentiana pseudosquarrosa Harry Sm.
  247. Gentiana puberulenta J.S.Pringle
  248. Gentiana pubigera C.Marquand
  249. Gentiana pulvinarum W.W.Sm.
  250. Gentiana pumila Jacq.
  251. Gentiana pumilio Standl. & Steyerm.
  252. Gentiana punctata L.
  253. Gentiana purpurea L.
  254. Gentiana pyrenaica L.
  255. Gentiana qiujiangensis T.N.Ho
  256. Gentiana quadrifaria Blume
  257. Gentiana querceticola Halda & Jurášek
  258. Gentiana radiata C.Marquand
  259. Gentiana radicans Harry Sm.
  260. Gentiana ranae M.Shabir & M.D.Dwivedi
  261. Gentiana recurvata C.B.Clarke
  262. Gentiana riparia Kar. & Kir.
  263. Gentiana robusta King ex Hook.f.
  264. Gentiana rostanii Reut. ex Verlot
  265. Gentiana rubicunda Franch.
  266. Gentiana rubricaulis Schwein.
  267. Gentiana sagarmathae Miyam. & H.Ohba
  268. Gentiana saginifolia Wernham
  269. Gentiana saginoides Burkill
  270. Gentiana saltuum C.Marquand
  271. Gentiana saponaria L.
  272. Gentiana sasidharanii K.M.P.Kumar & Sunil
  273. Gentiana satsunanensis T.Yamaz.
  274. Gentiana scabra Bunge
  275. Gentiana scabrida Hayata
  276. Gentiana sceptrum Griseb.
  277. Gentiana scytophylla T.N.Ho
  278. Gentiana sedifolia Kunth
  279. Gentiana septemfida Pall.
  280. Gentiana setigera A.Gray
  281. Gentiana shaanxiensis T.N.Ho
  282. Gentiana sierrae Briq.
  283. Gentiana sikkimensis C.B.Clarke
  284. Gentiana sikokiana Maxim.
  285. Gentiana simulatrix C.Marquand
  286. Gentiana sino-ornata Balf.f.
  287. Gentiana siphonantha Maxim. ex Kusn.
  288. Gentiana sirensis J.S.Pringle
  289. Gentiana spathacea Kunth
  290. Gentiana spathulifolia Kusn.
  291. Gentiana spathulisepala T.N.Ho & S.W.Liu
  292. Gentiana springateana D.Maity
  293. Gentiana squarrosa Ledeb.
  294. Gentiana stellata Turrill
  295. Gentiana stellulata Harry Sm.
  296. Gentiana stipitata Edgew.
  297. Gentiana stragulata Balf.f. & Forrest
  298. Gentiana straminea Maxim.
  299. Gentiana suborbisepala C.Marquand
  300. Gentiana subpolytrichoides Grubov
  301. Gentiana subuliformis S.W.Liu
  302. Gentiana sumatrana Ridl.
  303. Gentiana susamyrensis Pachom.
  304. Gentiana susanneae Adr.Favre
  305. Gentiana sutchuenensis Franch.
  306. Gentiana szechenyii Kanitz
  307. Gentiana taiwanialbiflora S.S.Ying
  308. Gentiana taiwanica T.N.Ho
  309. Gentiana takushii T.Yamaz.
  310. Gentiana taliensis Balf.f. & Forrest
  311. Gentiana tarokoensis Chih H.Chen & J.C.Wang
  312. Gentiana tatsienensis Franch.
  313. Gentiana terglouensis Hacq.
  314. Gentiana ternifolia Franch.
  315. Gentiana tetraphylla Maxim. ex Kusn.
  316. Gentiana tetrasepala Biswas
  317. Gentiana tetrasticha C.Marquand
  318. Gentiana thunbergii (G.Don) Griseb.
  319. Gentiana tibetica King ex Hook.f.
  320. Gentiana timida Kerr
  321. Gentiana tongolensis Franch.
  322. Gentiana tonkinensis Hul
  323. Gentiana tornezyana Litard. & Maire
  324. Gentiana trichotoma Kusn.
  325. Gentiana tricolor Diels & Gilg
  326. Gentiana triflora Pall.
  327. Gentiana tubiflora (G.Don) Griseb.
  328. Gentiana ulmeri Merr.
  329. Gentiana uniflora Georgi
  330. Gentiana urnula Harry Sm.
  331. Gentiana utriculosa L.
  332. Gentiana vandellioides Hemsl.
  333. Gentiana vandewateri Wernham
  334. Gentiana veitchiorum Hemsl.
  335. Gentiana venusta (G.Don) Wall. ex Griseb.
  336. Gentiana verna L.
  337. Gentiana vernayi C.Marquand
  338. Gentiana viatrix Harry Sm. ex C.Marquand
  339. Gentiana villosa L.
  340. Gentiana vodopjanovae (Zuev) Chepinoga
  341. Gentiana waltonii Burkill
  342. Gentiana walujewii Regel & Schmalh.
  343. Gentiana wangchukii E.Aitken & D.G.Long
  344. Gentiana wardii W.W.Sm.
  345. Gentiana wasenensis C.Marquand
  346. Gentiana wilsonii C.Marquand
  347. Gentiana winchuanensis T.N.Ho
  348. Gentiana wingecarribiensis L.G.Adams
  349. Gentiana woodii J.S.Pringle
  350. Gentiana xanthonannos Harry Sm.
  351. Gentiana yakushimensis Makino
  352. Gentiana yokusai Burkill
  353. Gentiana yunnanensis Franch.
  354. Gentiana zekuensis T.N.Ho & S.W.Liu
  355. Gentiana zhenxiongensis L.H.Wu & Z.T.Wang
  356. Gentiana zollingeri Fawc.

Beauty in the Face of Adversity

What truly draws me to Gentians is their ability to thrive in challenging environments. Many species are found in alpine regions, where they endure harsh winters, strong winds, and intense sunlight. Their resilience and ability to flourish in such conditions are remarkable.

The flowers themselves are a testament to this resilience. They are often a deep, intense blue, a color rarely seen in alpine environments. This vibrant hue serves to attract pollinators, ensuring the continuation of the species.

A Plant with a Rich History

Gentians have a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. They were used medicinally by the Greeks and Romans, and their use in traditional medicine continues in many parts of the world today. The genus is named after Gentius, an Illyrian king who is said to have discovered the medicinal properties of the plant.

Beyond their medicinal uses, Gentians have also been valued for their aesthetic beauty. They have been cultivated in gardens for centuries, and their striking blue flowers continue to be a favorite among gardeners.

My Personal Connection

My fascination with Gentians began during a hiking trip in the Swiss Alps. I was struck by their vibrant blue flowers, which seemed to glow against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains. I was also impressed by their resilience, their ability to thrive in such a harsh environment.

Since then, I have sought out Gentians wherever I travel. I have seen them blooming in meadows, woodlands, and even on rocky cliffs. Each encounter has deepened my appreciation for these remarkable plants.

Looking Ahead

The Gentiana genus continues to fascinate and intrigue me. I am eager to learn more about their biology, their ecology, and their cultural significance. I believe that these plants have much to teach us about resilience, adaptation, and the beauty of the natural world.

I hope that my passion for Gentians will inspire others to appreciate these remarkable plants. They are a testament to the diversity and resilience of life on Earth, and they deserve our admiration and protection.

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