Chiltern gentian (Gentianella germanica, Fl. Deut. Volk: 542 (1912))

Family: Gentianaceae

Author: (Willd.) Börner

Bibliography: Fl. Deut. Volk: 542 (1912)

Year: 1912

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gentianella

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe

Description

The Chiltern gentian, known scientifically as Gentianella germanica, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Gentianaceae family. This stunning plant holds a significant place within the European flora, where it is widely observed and appreciated for its vivid presence.

Originally described in 1912 within the “Flora of the German People” (Fl. Deut. Volk), the taxonomy of this plant has been subject to detailed study since its classification by Willdenow and later redefined by the botanist Börner. The captivating blossoms of the Chiltern gentian have made it a favorite amongst botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Characteristically, the Chiltern gentian is identified by its striking blue to violet flowers that bloom profusely in its natural habitat. These plants thrive in calcareous grasslands where they enjoy the cool, temperate conditions typically found across Europe. Beyond their beauty, these flowers play a crucial role in the ecosystem, attracting various pollinators that contribute to the biodiversity of their habitats.

The plant’s slender stems and rosette of basal leaves are part of its unique adaptation strategy, enabling it to endure the varying climatic conditions of Europe. Conservationists often emphasize the importance of protecting such native species, as they are integral to the ecological balance and natural heritage of the region.

In summary, Gentianella germanica, or the Chiltern gentian, is a spectacular member of the Gentianaceae family. Observed throughout Europe, this plant is not only admired for its aesthetic qualities but also celebrated for its role within the ecological tapestry of its environment.

Common Names

Deu: deutscher enzian, deutscher fransenenzian
Eng: chiltern-gentian
En: Chiltern gentian, Scarce Autumn Felwort
Hy: Դեղնածաղիկ գերմանական
Cs: Hořeček německý
Nl: Duitse gentiaan
Fr: Gentianelle dallemagne, Gentiane d’Allemagne, Gentianelle d’Allemagne
De: Deutscher Enzian, Deutscher Fransenenzian, Deutscher Kranzenzian
It: Genzianella germanica, Genziana germanica, Genzianella irsuta
Pl: Goryczuszka Wettsteina
Es: Nemški sviščevec
Cy: Crwynllys y sialc

Synonyms

• Hippion amarella (F.W.Schmidt)
• Gentiana obliqua (Nees)
• Gentiana murbeckii (A.Kern.)
• Opsanthe flava (Fourr.)
• Gentianella polymorpha ((Wettst.) Skalický & Toman)
• Gentiana amarella subsp. chlorifolia ((Nees) Arcang.)
• Gentiana amarella subsp. germanica ((Willd.) Čelak.)
• Gentiana polymorpha subsp. solstitialis ((Wettst.) Wettst.)
• Gentianella solstitialis ((Wettst.) G.H.Loos)
• Gentiana praematura (Borbás)
• Gentiana uechtritzii (Wettst.)
• Gentiana germanica (Murb.)
• Gentiana pseudogermanica (Gelmi)
• Gentianella germanica subsp. solstitialis ((Wettst.) Holub)
• Eyrythalia uniflora (Bercht. & J.Presl)
• Gentiana solstitialis (Wettst.)
• Gentiana germanica var. praecox (Griseb.)
• Gentianella germanica subsp. saxonica (W.Hempel)
• Gentiana petrogradiana (H.R.Wehrh.)
• Gentiana amarella var. germanica ((Willd.) F.Towns.)
• Gentianella germanica subsp. semleri ((Vollm.) Holub)
• Gentiana germanica subsp. semleri (Vollm.)
• Gentiana serbica (Formánek)
• Gentiana campestriformis (Rouy)
• Gentiana germanica var. ramosissima (Boenn.)
• Eyrythalia germanica ((Willd.) Schrank)
• Gentiana germanica var. minor (G.Mey.)
• Gentiana flavicans (Perret ex Colla)
• Gentiana uniflora (Willd.)
• Gentiana compacta (Hegetschw.)
• Gentianella saxonica ((W.Hempel) G.H.Loos)
• Gentiana polymorpha (Wettst.)
• Gentiana critica (Ehrh. ex Griseb)
• Opsanthe germanica ((Willd.) Fourr.)
• Opsanthe obtusifola (Fourr.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Italy (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

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.

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

Flower

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2020 by Giorgio Perbellini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2021 by schmidt michi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2017 by Kurt Peys (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2018 by Francois Lelievre (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Leouski (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Birgit Rosi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Damien Delvaux de Fenffe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2019 by W Gunda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Jani Zadrgal (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 2, 1996 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 1996 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2020 by Ernst Schär (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2020 by elena🌞 dei boschi🌿 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2020 by elena🌞 dei boschi🌿 (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken Sep 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Gre Mo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77068284-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7539382)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gentianella germanica (Willd.) Börner)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7270230)

Specifications

Growth