Spotted gentian
Gentiana punctata
Family: Gentianaceae
What it is like
A small plant. It grows 60 cm high and spreads 30 cm wide. There are a clump of leaves at the base. There is a stout taproot which develops an upright stem. The leaves at the base are 10 cm long and the leaves on the stem are smaller. The flowers occur in clusters at the tips of stems and in the axils of leaves. They are pale yellow with purple spots. They are 30 mm long.
There are about 400 Gentiana species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in the high mountains in Europe. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Austria, Balkans, Europe, France, Macedonia, Slovakia
How it is used for food
The roots are sometimes used in the manufacture of gentian bitters.
Edible parts
Roots - flavouring
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Horec