Gentian

Description

The gentians, which, counting annuals and perennials, number several hundred, are prized as much for the delicate beauty of their flowers as for the medicinal virtues of their roots. Gathered indiscriminately for decades, many gentians are today protected by regional laws: for example Gentiana lutea, also known as great yellow gentian, which has become very rare, is a protected species.

Stem

The stems of gentians may be long, sturdy and erect, as in the case of Gentiana lutea, the largest member of the family, or very short and bearing the corollas, as in the case of the so-called “genzianelle”, the best known of which is probably the mountain species Gentiana acaulis. The scientific term Gentianella designates small, delicate-looking annual or biennial varieties.

Leaves

The leaves of gentians, which always have deep veins, may vary in shape and size; they may form a basal rosette or be opposite, that is, set facing one another along the stem. It is important to remember this particular opposite arrangement in order to distinguish Gentiana lutea reliably from the similar but highly toxic plants of Veratrum album, the white hellebore. The leaves of this poisonous member of the lily family are in fact very similar to those of Gentiana lutea, but instead of being opposite they alternate along the stem.

Flowers

Funnel-shaped or star-shaped, solitary or gathered in axillary clusters, gentian flowers appear in late spring or in summer and, as well as differing in shape, also come in different colours, ranging from the well-known blue (indeed called gentian blue), to white, azure, yellow or red.

Exposure

Gentians like a sheltered position that is nonetheless well exposed to the sun.

Propagation

Many perennial gentians and all the so-called “genzianelle”, which on the other hand are annual or biennial, can be propagated by seed, sown in autumn in containers filled with fertile, light compost. The seed trays should be left outdoors in a sheltered position, the seedlings will then be pricked out and later planted in their final position.

Growth

Among the very many members of the gentian family, there are many that present no particular difficulty in cultivation.

Harvesting

The gathering of gentian roots has been regulated in many Italian regions, where the species, was once ruthlessly plundered. Anyone who is not sure of recognising the plants should buy the roots from a herbalist's shop to avoid possible poisoning.

Storage

The roots should be cut into small pieces, dried in the sun, then stored in glass jars with a good seal.

Health

From the root of the great yellow gentian the pharmaceutical industry extracts bitter substances with good digestive and tonic properties. The concentrated decoction (100 grams of root in a litre of water) is used externally to promote the healing of the skin in the case of minor burns or wounds.

Curiosity

As early as ancient Greece, gentians were used in medicine for their febrifuge and laxative properties.