Spotted gentian (Gentiana punctata, Sp. Pl.: 227 (1753))

Family: Gentianaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 227 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gentiana

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mts. of C. Europe to N. Greece

Description

The Spotted gentian, known scientifically as Gentiana punctata, is a captivating plant species belonging to the family Gentianaceae. Originally described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this plant has captured the interest of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike for centuries.

The Spotted gentian thrives in the mountainous regions of Central Europe, extending its presence to the northern reaches of Greece. These habitats provide the plant with the ideal conditions it requires—cool temperatures, well-drained soils, and the open, sunlit environments typical of alpine meadows and high-altitude pastures.

Characteristic of its name, the Spotted gentian displays a distinctive pattern of spots on its large, trumpet-shaped flowers. These blooms, typically yellow with maroon or reddish spots, emerge from upright stems, showcasing a unique beauty amidst the rugged terrain. The leaves of Gentiana punctata are equally noteworthy, with their lanceolate shape and a lush green hue, arranged oppositely along the stems.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Spotted gentian holds ecological significance in its native habitats. It contributes to the biodiversity of the alpine flora, supporting various pollinators that are attracted to its striking flowers. This plant’s presence in the wild is a testament to the delicate balance of ecosystems within these mountainous regions.

In addition to its ecological role, Gentiana punctata has been noted for its traditional uses in herbal medicine, often valued for its potential digestive benefits. However, due to its specific growing requirements and the pressures of habitat loss, conservation efforts are essential to ensure that this enchanting species continues to thrive in its natural environment.

In summary, the Spotted gentian (Gentiana punctata) stands out not only for its aesthetic charm but also for its role in the biodiversity of European mountainous regions and its historical significance in botanical studies as documented by Linnaeus. Its unique spotted flowers and ecological value make it a fascinating subject for further observation and conservation.

Common Names

Deu: punktierter enzian, tüpfel-enzian
Swe: prickgentiana
Eng: spotted gentian
Ell: γεντιανή η στικτή
En: Spotted gentian, Dotted Gentian, Dotted-flowered Gentian
Az: Xallı acıçiçək
Bg: Петниста тинтява
Cs: Hořec tečkovaný
Nl: Gestippelde Gentiaan
Fi: Täpläkatkero
Fr: Gentiane ponctuée
De: Tüpfel-Enzian, Punktierter Enzian, Edelwurz, Getüpfelter Enzian
El: Γεντιανή η στικτή
It: Genziana punteggiata
Mk: Линцура
Pl: Goryczka kropkowana
Sr: Арнаутски равен
Sk: Horec bodkovaný
Sv: Prickgentiana
Uk: Тирлич крапчастий

Synonyms

• Gentianusa punctata ((L.) Pohl)
• Dasystephana punctata ((L.) Borkh.)
• Pneumonanthe punctata ((L.) F.W.Schmidt)
• Pneumonanthe campanulata ((Jacq.) F.W.Schmidt)
• Pneumonanthe campestris (F.W.Schmidt ex Steud.)
• Coilantha campanulata (G.Don)
• Coilantha punctata (G.Don)
• Lexipyretum punctatum (Dulac)
• Gentiana immaculata (Pers.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Walter Schuster (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2020 by David Blondin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2020 by stefan sedlak (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2019 by Ruud Verkerke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2016 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 7, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Manū (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Vincenc J (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2016 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 8, 2019 by Adamo Davide (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2018 by Ruth Mottram (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2016 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 24, 2020 by guy mercier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2018 by guyom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by hemind (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2020 by fettkraut (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2018 by Jürgen Husch (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8008282)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:368760-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gentiana punctata L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 4.5

Ph minimum: 4.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Soil nutriments: 2