Branched centaury (Centaurium pulchellum, Oesterr. Bot. Z. 56: 70 (1906))

Family: Gentianaceae

Author: (Sw.) Hayek ex Hand.-Mazz., Stadlm., Janch. & Faltis

Bibliography: Oesterr. Bot. Z. 56: 70 (1906)

Year: 1906

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Centaurium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe, Medit. to Sahara and Xinjiang

Description

Branched Centaury: An Overview

The Branched Centaury, scientifically known as Centaurium pulchellum, is a captivating member of the Gentianaceae family. First described in detail in 1906 in the Oesterreichische Botanische Zeitschrift, this plant has caught the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. The authoritative description was provided by (Sw.) Hayek ex Hand.-Mazz., Stadlm., Janch., and Faltis, ensuring its place in botanical literature.

This delicate plant can be found across a diverse geographical range, extending from Europe and the Mediterranean region to the arid expanses of the Sahara and even reaching as far as Xinjiang. Its adaptability to various climates highlights the resilience and versatility of this species.

Characterized by its charmingly branched structure, the Branched Centaury presents a subtle beauty with its small, yet vividly colored flowers that are typically pink or red. These blooms often capture the eye amidst the diverse flora of its habitats.

Ecologically, Centaurium pulchellum plays a vital role in its environment. It is often found in meadows, grasslands, and sometimes even in disturbed grounds, contributing to the biodiversity and health of these ecosystems. The Branched Centaury’s presence can be an indicator of the health of its surroundings, portraying a well-balanced natural habitat.

In the world of traditional medicine, the Gentianaceae family, to which this species belongs, is renowned for its bitter compounds. While not as commonly utilized as some of its relatives, the Branched Centaury shares these properties and has been used historically in herbal remedies, particularly for digestive issues.

The study and conservation of Centaurium pulchellum are essential, as it not only enriches our natural landscapes but also serves as a source of scientific knowledge and ecological health indicator. This small, yet significant plant continues to be a subject of admiration and study among botanists and nature lovers.

In summary, the Branched Centaury is more than just a beautiful flower; it is a vital component of its ecosystems, a subject of historical botanical interest, and a bearer of medicinal potential. Its wide distribution from Europe to Xinjiang underscores its adaptability and importance within the plant kingdom.

Common Names

Eng: branched centaury, lesser centaury, branching centaury, pink centurium
Nor: dverggylden
Deu: kleines tausendgüldenkraut, zierliches tausendgüldenkraut
Dan: liden tusindgylden
Fra: erythrée élégante, petite-centaurée délicate, petite-centaurée jolie, petite-centaurée élégante, érythrée élégante
Nld: fraai duizendguldenkruid
Lav: skaistais augstinš
Swe: dvärgarun
Cym: canri leiaf, y ganrhi goch fach
Ara: zewan
Gla: dréimire beag
Nob: dverggylden
Nno: dverggylden
En: Branched centaury, Lesser centaury, Branching centaury, Pink centurium, Dwarf Centaury, Pretty Centaury
Ar: تشيرات، قطيبه ( قُطيبه), قنتريان (قَنتريان), كنتريون (كَنتريون)، قنتريون (قَنتريَون), Zewan
Ca: Centauri pulcre
Da: Liden tusindgylden
Nl: Fraai duizendguldenkruid
Fr: Erythrée élégante, Petite-centaurée délicate, Petite-centaurée jolie, Petite-centaurée élégante, Érythrée élégante, Petite centaurée délicate
De: Kleines Tausendgüldenkraut, Zierliches Tausendgüldenkraut
It: Centauro elegante
Lv: Skaistais augstinš
No: Dverggylden
Nb: Dverggylden
Nn: Dverggylden
Gd: Dréimire beag
Sv: Dvärgarun
Cy: Canri Leiaf, Y Ganrhi Goch Fach

Synonyms

• Chironia centaurium var. pulchella ((Sw.) DC.)
• Erythraea ramosissima var. pulchella ((Sw.) Griseb.)
• Chironia pulchella ((Sw.) Willd.)
• Gentiana pulchella var. ramosissima ((Vill.) Gaudin)
• Erythraea ramosissima var. minima (Klett & Richt.)
• Sabatia pulchella ((Sw.) Spreng.)
• Erythraea pulchella var. simplex (Hartm.)
• Centaurium pulchellum var. intermedium ((Mérat) Gilmour)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Chad (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Hungary (native)
• India (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Mali (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Niger (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Somalia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• Falkland Is. (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• South Dakota (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Wyoming (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Jun 27, 2007 by Tela Botanica − null null (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 24, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2020 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by ERDOĞAN ASLIHAN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Jan Sousedík (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 20, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 24, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by sinape Ale (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2021 by subexa Regmi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 5, 2017 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2017 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 1873 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:366702-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7439391)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Centaurium pulchellum (Sw.) Druce)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 3

Soil salinity: 1