Family: Gentianaceae
Author: Pall.
Bibliography: Fl. Ross. 1(2): 107 (1789)
Year: 1789
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Gentiana
Vegetable: False
Observations: Siberia to Himalaya and C. Japan, Alaska to WC. U.S.A.
Description
The Arctic gentian, known by its scientific name Gentiana algida, is a fascinating plant species that belongs to the Gentianaceae family. This hardy plant flourishes across varied and often challenging terrains, stretching from the frigid expanses of Siberia to the soaring elevations of the Himalayas. Further afield, its presence extends to Central Japan and across the Pacific to Alaska, eventually reaching the western coastal regions of the United States.
First described by the esteemed botanist Pall. in 1789 in his seminal work “Flora Rossica,” the Arctic gentian has captivated botanists and nature enthusiasts alike for centuries. This resilient species thrives in its native habitats, which span vast and diverse geographies, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to both alpine and subarctic climates.
Characterized by its striking, star-shaped flowers, the Arctic gentian typically blooms in late summer, adorning the sparsely vegetated, rocky outcrops and rugged landscapes with its delicate beauty. The flowers, often a pristine white or pale blue, exude a subtle charm against the harsher backdrops of their environment.
The ecological significance of Gentiana algida is profound, as it often forms a vital component of the delicate ecosystems in which it resides. It contributes to the biodiversity and stability of these regions, supporting local pollinator species and adding to the aesthetic tapestry of the natural landscape.
Understanding and preserving the Arctic gentian is crucial, not only for its inherent botanical marvel but also for maintaining the health and balance of the ecosystems it inhabits. As climate change continues to exert pressure on these fragile environments, the conservation of such species becomes increasingly imperative.
In summary, the Arctic gentian is a remarkable example of botanical resilience and beauty. Its wide distribution from Siberia to the Himalayas, across Central Japan, and to the western coastal United States underscores its adaptability and ecological importance. Documented thoroughly in Pall.’s “Flora Rossica,” Gentiana algida remains a subject of ongoing interest and admiration in the botanical community.
Common Names
Eng: arctic gentian, whitish gentian
Fra: gentiane des milieux froids
En: Arctic gentian, Whitish gentian
Fr: Gentiane des milieux froids
Synonyms
- Pneumonanthe algida ((Pall.) F.W.Schmidt)
- Gentianodes algida ((Pall.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
- Dasystephana algida ((Pall.) Borkh.)
- Gentiana frigida var. algida ((Pall.) Froel.)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Aleutian Is. (native)
- Altay (native)
- Amur (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Buryatiya (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- Chita (native)
- Colorado (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kamchatka (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Montana (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Qinghai (native)
- Tadzhikistan (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Tuva (native)
- Utah (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Yakutskiya (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Sep 10, 2014 by EOL − Fluff Berger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2014 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 20, 2021 by pavelus86 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2021 by Liza R (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 1, 2019 by Elice Botanystudent (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170111)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:367731-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gentiana algida Pall.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
