Gentiana lutea

Botanical Description

Gentiana lutea is a herbaceous perennial plant producing a single (occasionally a few), erect, robust stem; it usually grows around 60 - 90cm tall, occasionally to 180cm[ 74 Title Flora of the USSR. Publication Author Komarov. V. L. Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher Israel Program for Scientific Translation Year 1968 ISBN - Description An immense (25 or more large volumes) and not yet completed translation of the Russian flora. Full of information on plant uses and habitats but heavy going for casual readers. It can be downloaded from the Internet. , 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 root of this species is the major source of gentian root, a well-known and popular herbal remedy that is especially useful as a tonic, stomachic and appetizer, used in treating digestive problems, low energy etc. It is harvested in large quantities from the wild, and also cultivated, the roots being collected on a commercial basis for use in making liqueurs and a range of proprietary medicines. Gentiana lutea is widespread with stable populations in parts of its range and therefore the risk of the species going completely extinct in Europe is quite low. However, it is concerning that the species is classed as threatened on various national red lists and the main threat is still overharvesting of this medicinal plant - adequate measures to prevent this are needed and the populations should be continuously monitored. 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. ].