Cross gentian (Gentiana cruciata, Sp. Pl.: 231 (1753))

Family: Gentianaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 231 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gentiana

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to W. Siberia and NW. & N. Iran

Description

Cross Gentian: A Botanical Treasure

Cross gentian, scientifically known as Gentiana cruciata, is a remarkable plant species belonging to the Gentianaceae family. This exquisite flowering plant has been recognized and documented since 1753, reflecting its long-standing significance in the botanical world.

Native Habitat and Distribution

Gentiana cruciata boasts a broad native range, stretching across various distinct regions. It can be found thriving in diverse environments from Europe all the way to western Siberia, and even extending to the northwestern and northern regions of Iran. Its adaptability across these varied climates demonstrates the plant’s remarkable resilience and versatility.

Characteristics and Identification

The cross gentian is celebrated for its striking floral display. The plant typically exhibits vibrant blue to violet flowers, which are arranged in an opposite cross-like pattern, hence the name “cross gentian.” This characteristic appearance not only enhances its visual appeal but also aids in easy identification among botanical enthusiasts and experts alike.

Ecological Significance

As a member of the Gentianaceae family, Gentiana cruciata plays an essential role in its native ecosystems. These plants often thrive in calcareous soils, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of their habitats. They attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are crucial for maintaining the balance and health of these ecosystems.

Cultural and Historical Context

Throughout history, Gentiana cruciata has been appreciated not only for its beauty but also for its medicinal properties. Traditional uses of gentian species have been linked to digestive health, where various parts of the plant are employed in herbal remedies. Its enduring presence in both natural settings and botanical literature underscores its importance to both culture and science.

Conservation and Future Outlook

Given its wide distribution, the cross gentian does not currently face significant threats. However, like many wild plants, it can be susceptible to habitat loss and environmental changes. Conservation efforts, therefore, focus on preserving its natural habitats and ensuring that this botanical gem continues to flourish in its native regions.

Cross gentian remains a symbol of the intricate beauty and resilience of plant life. Its vibrant flowers and wide-ranging presence from Europe to Iran make it a fascinating subject of study and admiration in the botanical community.

Common Names

Deu: kreuz-enzian, kreuzblättriger enzian
Eng: star gentian, cross gentian
Fra: gentiane croisette
Swe: korsgentiana
Nld: kruisbladgentiaan
Lav: krustlapu drudzene
En: Cross gentian, Star gentian, Cross-leaved Gentian
Az: Çarpazyarpaq acıçiçək
Be: Гарачаўка крыжападобная
Bg: Синя тинтява
Ca: Genciana cruciada
Cs: Hořec křížatý
Nl: Kruisbladgentiaan
Et: Südame-emajuur
Fi: Ristikatkero
Fr: Gentiane croisette
De: Kreuz-Enzian, Kreuzblättriger Enzian, Kreuzenzian
Hu: Szent László-tárnics
It: Genziana minore
Kk: Қарама-қарсы жапырақты ербасы
Lv: Krustlapu drudzene
Lt: Melsvasis gencijonas
Os: Рæсыдбадæн
Fa: گل‌سپاس صلیبی
Pl: Goryczka krzyżowa
Ru: Горечавка крестовидная
Sr: Прострел
Sk: Horec krížatý
Es: Navzkrižnolistni svišč
Sv: Korsgentiana
Uk: Тирлич хрещатий
Uz: Xochsimon Gorechavka

Synonyms

• Tretorrhiza cruciata ((L.) Delarbre)
• Dasystephana cruciata ((L.) Zuev)
• Ericoila cruciata ((L.) Borkh.)
• Pneumonanthe cruciata ((L.) Zuev)
• Gentianusa cruciata ((L.) Pohl)
• Gentianella cruciata ((L.) Moench)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Masachusettes (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.

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

Flower

Taken Nov 9, 2019 by Reinhard Bachmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2018 by orsatus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2017 by Titouan Lorieul (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2017 by Titouan Lorieul (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 4, 2014 by Jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Pierre Mordacq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2019 by Marijk Hoed (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Laurent Ledante (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2020 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 28, 2021 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Marie Ransant (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Jan Schulte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2020 by Cockie Streng (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2012 by Jean-Michel Faton (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by Natural Ethik (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2018 by Vuk Bojović (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2018 by Nadine Castel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170115)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:368046-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gentiana cruciata L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Light: 7

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 2