A Conversation for Gentiana - Flowers of the Alps
British Gentians, Centaury and Schnapps
Lizardboy Started conversation Jan 24, 2002
First off:
There are two kinds of Gentiana in Britain. Gentiana Vernus (spring gentian) and Gentiana Nivalis (Snow Gentian). The Former has Bright blue flowers of about 15mm across. The latter has similar flowers of about 6mm across. Both species are protected.
Centaury is a related plant usually found on the coast. Like Gentianellas, it has bright pink flowers.
Finally, some alpine gentains, namely 'Lutea', can be used to make schnapps.
British Gentians, Centaury and Schnapps
Wilfrid is 42 (1x7x3+0+21) Posted Jan 31, 2002
Azara mentioned something about other British Gentians (esp. G.verna)in peer review. Basically, if I couldn't find a scholarly reference for native habitat, botanical kinship etc, I left it out. G. pneumonanthe was the only one that passed muster so to speak.
Thanks for the info and G. nivalis will certainly be checked out 
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British Gentians, Centaury and Schnapps
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