Trumpet gentian (Gentiana clusii, Bull. Soc. Hist. Nat. Savoie 1853: 185 (1854))

Family: Gentianaceae

Author: Perr. & Songeon

Bibliography: Bull. Soc. Hist. Nat. Savoie 1853: 185 (1854)

Year: 1854

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gentiana

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. France to SW. Germany and Carpathians

Description

The Trumpet Gentian, scientifically known as Gentiana clusii, is an exquisite flowering plant belonging to the Gentianaceae family. Initially documented in detail by Perr. and Songeon in the mid-19th century, their findings were published in the Bulletin of the Natural History Society of Savoie in 1854, remarking on its distinctive attributes and habitats.

Native to specific parts of Europe, the Trumpet Gentian can primarily be found from southern France extending to the southwestern regions of Germany and further reaching the Carpathians. This geographical range highlights its preference for mountainous terrains and cooler climates, often flourishing in alpine meadows and rocky slopes where it can bask in ample sunlight and well-drained conditions.

The plant is renowned for its striking, trumpet-shaped flowers, which exhibit deep, vibrant blue hues that can captivate the attention of any observer. Blooming typically in the spring to early summer, these flowers are a critical source of nectar for various pollinators, thereby playing an integral role in the local ecosystem.

As a member of the Gentianaceae family, Gentiana clusii shares many characteristics with its relatives but is distinct in its robust nature and ability to thrive in challenging environments. Its presence is also an indicator of the health of its native high-altitude habitats, making it a species of interest for botanists and ecologists studying alpine biodiversity and conservation.

Beyond its ecological significance, the Trumpet Gentian is cherished in horticulture for its ornamental value, often cultivated in rock gardens and alpine plant collections where enthusiasts can replicate its natural habitat conditions to enjoy its stunning floral display.

In summary, Gentiana clusii stands out not only for its visual appeal but also for its adaptability and role within its native ecosystems. Its historical documentation and ongoing observation continue to shed light on the beauty and complexity of alpine flora.

Common Names

Deu: clusius enzian, clusius’ enzian, clusius-enzian, kalk-glockenenzian, stängelloser kalk-enzian
Eng: trumpet gentian
Swe: trumpetgentiana
Cym: crwynllys utgorn
En: Trumpet Gentian
De: Clusius Enzian, Clusius’ Enzian, Clusius-Enzian, Kalk-Glockenenzian, Stängelloser Kalk-Enzian
Sv: Trumpetgentiana
Cy: Crwynllys Utgorn

Synonyms

• Ciminalis clusii ((Perr. & Songeon) Holub)
• Thylacitis clusii ((Perr. & Songeon) Fourr.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 16, 2009 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 2, 2015 by Andrzej Pasierbinski (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Mladen Glavic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Mladen Glavic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Mladen Glavic (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2022 by Stefano Mezzani (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by sonia sonia (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7270031)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:367989-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gentiana clusii Perr. & Songeon)

Specifications

Growth