Gentiana bavarica, the Bavarian gentian, is a herbaceous perennial species of flowering plant in the Gentian family Gentianaceae.

Gentiana bavarica
Gentiana bavarica at the Giardino Botanico Alpino Chanousia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Gentianaceae
Genus: Gentiana
Species:
G. bavarica
Binomial name
Gentiana bavarica
Synonyms
  • Calathiana bavarica (L.) J. Holub
  • Gentiana bavarica var. bavarica
  • Gentiana bavarica var. subacaulis Custer
  • Gentiana rotundifolia Hoppe ex Griseb.
  • Hippion bavaricum (L.) F. W. Schmidt

Description

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Gentiana bavarica can reach a height of 5–15 centimetres (2.0–5.9 in). This plant forms a rosette of basal obovate to spathulate yellowish-green leaves, about 1 cm long. Flowers are deep blue, 1–2 centimetres (0.39–0.79 in) long, with broad spreading lobes. They bloom from July to August.

Distribution and habitat

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Gentiana bavarica is native to European Alps and prefers wet grasslands at elevation of 1,300–3,600 metres (4,300–11,800 ft) above sea level.

Culture

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D. H. Lawrence titled one of his latest poems Bavarian Gentians. In it, he likens the flower to a "blue, forked torch" that he uses to light his descent into the underworld.

References

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