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Useful Temperate Plants

Gentiana acaulis

L.

Gentianaceae

+ Synonyms

Ciminalis acaulis (L.) Borkh.

Ciminalis dinarica (Beck) Holub

Ciminalis grandiflora Mayrh.

Ciminalis longiflora Moench

Gentiana dinarica (Beck) Beck

Gentiana excisa C.Presl

Gentiana grandiflora Lam.

Gentiana kochiana Perr. & Songeon

Gentiana latifolia (Gren. & Godr.) Jakow.

Gentiana vulgaris (Neilr.) Beck

Gentianusa acaulis (L.) Pohl

Hippion alpinum F.W.Schmidt

Lexipyretum acaule (L.) Dulac

Pneumonanthe acaulis (L.) F.W.Schmidt

Pneumonanthe grandiflora Gray

Thylacitis grandiflora Delarbre

Common Name: Stemless Gentian

No Image.

General Information

Gentiana acaulis is a herbaceous perennial plant forming a mat or hummock of growth; it can grow around 5 - 20cm tall and up to 30cm in diameter[
2137
Title
Inventario Español de los Conocimientos Tradicionales Relaticos a la Biodiversidad, Fase II (3)
Publication
 
Author
Santayana M.P. de, et al (Editors)
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura y Pesca, Alimentación y Medio Ambient;
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
 
].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and sometimes as a food. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.
Although threatened in parts of its range, Gentiana acaulis has stable populations in other parts and is unlikely to decline severely in the near future. The overall risk of extinction is low. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

Range

Europe - Mountainous regions of Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, the Balkans, Romania and Ukraine

Habitat

Alpine grassland, dry turf and pastures, rubble and scree slopes, occasionally in alpine woods; at elevations from 1,700 - 3,000 metres. Usually found in acid soils, though sometimes also found on chalky limestone or sandstone[
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
].

Properties

Conservation StatusLeast Concern
Edibility Rating *  *
Medicinal Rating *  *  *
HabitPerennial
Height0.10 m
Growth RateSlow
PollinatorsBumblebees, Butterflies
Cultivation StatusOrnamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Gentiana acaulis is native to mountainous regions in the temperate zone of central and southern Europe, where is can be found at elevtions up to 3,000 metres. A very cold-tolerant plant, when fully dormant it can withstand temperatures down to about -35°c[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
,
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
].
Gentiana species generally grow best when there is ample moisture to the roots in the growing season, but they also require very good drainage[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. Often being native to mountainous regions, they require a certain minimum of atmospheric humidity; a high light intensity; but also a site where temperatures are not too high in the growing season[
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
]. They are therefore more difficult to grow in areas with hot summers and in such a region they appreciate some protection from the strongest sunlight[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
,
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
]. Most species will grow well in the rock garden[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. This is an easily grown species, succeeding in most good garden soils, though it prefers a light loamy soil and lime-free conditions[
187
Title
Perennials. Volumes 1 and 2.
Publication
 
Author
Phillips. R. & Rix. M.
Publisher
Pan Books
Year
1991
ISBN
0-330-30936-9
Description
Photographs of over 3,000 species and cultivars of ornamental plants together with brief cultivation notes, details of habitat etc.
,
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
,
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
]. It appreciates a cool soil and so grows well in a pocket of soil amongst paving stones, so long as there is a gritty substrate[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. Plants dislike growing under the drip from trees[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].
A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. It is a rare and protected species in the wild[
7
Title
Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants.
Publication
 
Author
Chiej. R.
Publisher
MacDonald
Year
1984
ISBN
0-356-10541-5
Description
Covers plants growing in Europe. Also gives other interesting information on the plants. Good photographs.
].
Artificial fertilizers can have a negative effect upon the plant in all but the minutest quantities[
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
].
Plants are intolerant of root disturbance[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].

Edible Uses

The flowering stem is eaten raw as a treat[
2137
Title
Inventario Español de los Conocimientos Tradicionales Relaticos a la Biodiversidad, Fase II (3)
Publication
 
Author
Santayana M.P. de, et al (Editors)
Publisher
Ministerio de Agricultura y Pesca, Alimentación y Medio Ambient;
Year
2018
ISBN
978-84-491-1472-4
Description
 
]

Medicinal

An infusion of the whole plant is used externally to lighten freckles[
7
Title
Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants.
Publication
 
Author
Chiej. R.
Publisher
MacDonald
Year
1984
ISBN
0-356-10541-5
Description
Covers plants growing in Europe. Also gives other interesting information on the plants. Good photographs.
].

This species is one of several species that are the source of the medicinal gentian root[
4
Title
A Modern Herbal.
Publication
 
Author
Grieve.
Publisher
Penguin
Year
1984
ISBN
0-14-046-440-9
Description
Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate plants.
], the following notes are based on the general uses of G. lutea which is the most commonly used species in the West[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].

Gentian root has a long history of use as a herbal bitter in the treatment of digestive disorders and is an ingredient of many proprietary medicines. It contains some of the most bitter compounds known and is used as a scientific basis for measuring bitterness[
238
Title
Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
Publication
 
Author
Bown. D.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley, London.
Year
1995
ISBN
0-7513-020-31
Description
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
]. It is especially useful in states of exhaustion from chronic disease and in all cases of debility, weakness of the digestive system and lack of appetite[
4
Title
A Modern Herbal.
Publication
 
Author
Grieve.
Publisher
Penguin
Year
1984
ISBN
0-14-046-440-9
Description
Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate plants.
]. It is one of the best strengtheners of the human system, stimulating the liver, gall bladder and digestive system[
238
Title
Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
Publication
 
Author
Bown. D.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley, London.
Year
1995
ISBN
0-7513-020-31
Description
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
], and is an excellent tonic to combine with a purgative in order to prevent its debilitating effects[
4
Title
A Modern Herbal.
Publication
 
Author
Grieve.
Publisher
Penguin
Year
1984
ISBN
0-14-046-440-9
Description
Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate plants.
]. The root is anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bitter tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, refrigerant, stomachic[
4
Title
A Modern Herbal.
Publication
 
Author
Grieve.
Publisher
Penguin
Year
1984
ISBN
0-14-046-440-9
Description
Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate plants.
,
7
Title
Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants.
Publication
 
Author
Chiej. R.
Publisher
MacDonald
Year
1984
ISBN
0-356-10541-5
Description
Covers plants growing in Europe. Also gives other interesting information on the plants. Good photographs.
,
9
Title
Edible and Medicinal Plants.
Publication
 
Author
Launert. E.
Publisher
Hamlyn
Year
1981
ISBN
0-600-37216-2
Description
Covers plants in Europe. a drawing of each plant, quite a bit of interesting information.
,
14
Title
Complete Guide to Herbs.
Publication
 
Author
Holtom. J. and Hylton. W.
Publisher
Rodale Press
Year
1979
ISBN
0-87857-262-7
Description
A good herbal.
,
21
Title
The Herb Book.
Publication
 
Author
Lust. J.
Publisher
Bantam books
Year
1983
ISBN
0-553-23827-2
Description
Lots of information tightly crammed into a fairly small book.
,
165
Title
The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism.
Publication
 
Author
Mills. S. Y.
Publisher
 
Year
 
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent small herbal.
,
238
Title
Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
Publication
 
Author
Bown. D.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley, London.
Year
1995
ISBN
0-7513-020-31
Description
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
]. It is taken internally in the treatment of liver complaints, indigestion, gastric infections and anorexia[
238
Title
Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
Publication
 
Author
Bown. D.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley, London.
Year
1995
ISBN
0-7513-020-31
Description
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
]. It should not be prescribed for patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers[
238
Title
Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
Publication
 
Author
Bown. D.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley, London.
Year
1995
ISBN
0-7513-020-31
Description
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[
4
Title
A Modern Herbal.
Publication
 
Author
Grieve.
Publisher
Penguin
Year
1984
ISBN
0-14-046-440-9
Description
Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate plants.
]. It is quite likely that the roots of plants that have not flowered are the richest in medicinal properties[
4
Title
A Modern Herbal.
Publication
 
Author
Grieve.
Publisher
Penguin
Year
1984
ISBN
0-14-046-440-9
Description
Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate plants.
].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a light position in a cold frame[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. It can also be sown in late winter or early spring but the seed germinates best if given a period of cold stratification and quickly loses viability when stored, with older seed germinating slowly and erratically[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
,
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
]. It is advantageous to keep the seed at about 10°c for a few days after sowing, to enable the seed to imbibe moisture[
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
]. Following this with a period of at least 5 - 6 weeks with temperatures falling to between 0 and -5°c will usually produce reasonable germination[
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
]. It is best to use clay pots, since plastic ones do not drain so freely and the moister conditions encourage the growth of moss, which will prevent germination of the seed[
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
]. The seed should be surface-sown, or only covered with a very light dressing of compost. The seed requires dark for germination, so the pots should be covered with something like newspaper or be kept in the dark until germination begins[
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
]. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. The seedlings grow on very slowly, taking 2 - 7 years to reach flowering size[
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
]. When the plants are of sufficient size, place them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer.
Division of larger clumps in early summer after the plant has flowered[
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
]. Dig up the entire plant, divide it into 2 - 3 fair-sized clumps with a spade or knife, and replant immediately[
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
]. Alternatively, individual rosettes can be carefully removed from the clump, these can be potted up for a few weeks before being planted in their permanent positions[
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
].
Cuttings of basal shoots in late spring or early summer[
238
Title
Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
Publication
 
Author
Bown. D.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley, London.
Year
1995
ISBN
0-7513-020-31
Description
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
,
239
Title
Gentians.
Publication
 
Author
Köhlein. F.
Publisher
Christopher Helm. London.
Year
1991
ISBN
0-88192-192-0
Description
A nice readable book, giving details of habitats and cultural needs for many of the members of this genus, with brief notes on other genera in the family.
]. It is best to pot them up in a cold frame until well rooted, and then plant them out into their permanent positions.
Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2024-12-06. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Gentiana+acaulis>

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