GENTIANACEAE

the gentian family of the flowering plant order Gentianales, containing about 75 genera and about 1,100 species of annual and perennial herbs and, rarely, shrubs, native primarily to northern temperate areas of the world. Members of the family have leaves that are opposite each other on the stem. The leaves often lack leafstalks and have smooth margins. The flowers have four or five united petals, which may be deeply divided. The petals overlap and are twisted in the bud. Nectar-secreting pits are found at the base of the petals and sepals in some species. Centaury (Centaurium) has pink flowers that close in the afternoon; yellow-wort (Blackstonia) has bright yellow flowers and broad leaves. Both genera contain species used in herbal remedies and in the making of dyes. Gentians (plants of the genus Gentiana) bear attractive flowers, usually blue but occasionally yellow, white, red, or purple; several species are cultivated as garden ornamentals. Gentians occur widely in moist meadows and woods. Swertia, an herb with blue, star-shaped flowers, and Exacum, a tropical indoor ornamental, are other attractive members of the family.