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Gentiana luteea
In spring, this very large member of Gentiane family (Gentianaceae) shows basis composed of very large leaves. From the center starts what will later become that recognizable massive stalk bearing masses of yellow flowers. When flowering, the great yellow gentiane is unmistakable; on the other hand, at this early stage (photos 3 and 4) it can be confused with poisonous White False Helleborine.
Observed on Salève, a pre-Alps mountain close to Geneva. This untypical gentiane is native to mountainous regions of central Europe, and found in alpine pastures all over Alps and Jura mountains range, up to 2500m of altitude.
Even though this gentiane does not really look like "real" gentiane, this member of family is the best known for its medicinal properties - this one is used in the treatment of malarial fever. The interesting story is linked to the name of the gender - it is said to be the tribute to the 2nd century Illyrian king Gentius who first discovered its virtues and treated its troops with it against the plague. The bitter roots of great yellow gentiane are also used in adding flavor to some popular digestive alcoholic drinks (grappa in Italy, lozovaca in Croatia etc)
Spotted on May 31, 2015
Submitted on Oct 23, 2016
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