Spotted Gentian

Appearance

The stems are 20–40 cm high, wrapped at base by the sheaths of the basal leaves. The flowers are sessile, crowded in terminal and axillary clusters, greenish yellow, with dark violet spots. Seeds are globose, with broad, scarious wings, reticulate.

Naming

Synonyms: Pneumonanthe punctata (L.) F. W. Schmidt, Dasystephana punctata (L.) Borkh., Gentianusa punctata (L.) Pohl

Distribution

Central and South East Europe, Iberian Peninsula, Corsica and Sardinia, Balkan Peninsula, expanding to Asia Minor and India.

Status

The Spotted Gentian is a protected plant in some countries (A, CH, CZ, D, I, SK).
The species is protected by the national Biodiversity Act in Bulgaria. Part of the populations are within the borders of Central Balkan, Rila and Pirin National Parks; Parangalitsa and Centralen Rilski Strict Nature Reserves, Rila Monastery Nature Park; Bayuvi Dupki-Dzhindzhiritsa and Yulen Strict Nature Reserves; Severen Dzhendem, Peeshti Skali, Starata Reka and Tsarichina Strict Nature Reserves; Vitosha Nature Park, etc. Significant part of the localities are within sites of the Natura 2000.

Habitat

Occurs in alpine meadows and on stony, often very steep slopes, in stone rivers and screes, as well as in rock niches almost without soil layer.

Uses

The root is sometimes used in the manufacture of gentian bitters.