Gentianaceae
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Gentianaceae, or the Gentian family, is a family of flowering plants in about 70-80 genera and between 900-1200 species.
Flowers are actinomorphic and bisexual with fused sepals, petals and epipetalous stamens alternate with the corolla lobes. There is a glandular disk at the base of the gynoecium, and flowers have parietal placentation. The inflorescence is cymose. The fruit a dehiscent septicidal capsule, rarely a berry. Seed small with copious oily endosperm and a straight embryo. The habit varies from small trees, pachycaul shrubs to (usually) herbs. Plants are usually rhizomatous. Leaves opposite and simple. Stipules are absent. Plants usually accumulate bitter iridoid substances; bicollateral bundles are present. Ecologically, partial myco-heterotrophy is common among species in this family.
Distribution is cosmopolitan. Economically, some species are cultivated ornamental plants and many species yield bitter principles used medicinally and in flavorings.
[edit] Conservation
Some of these plants have limited ranges and are protected under governmental oversight. For example, Gentianella uliginosa (Dune Gentian), which occurs in some limited areas of Wales and Scotland, is a priority species under the Biodiversity Action Plan of the United Kingdom.
[edit] Genera
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