Another star of the alpine is the amazing array of Gentian species. We recorded 10 species across the trip, some only subtlety different from others.

The first differentiation is whether the petals form a long tube or a trumpet shape.

To help determine between trumpeting gentians, it may be useful to notice the colouration inside the trumpet. Is it white, green, spotty?

Some may be more easily determined from the habitat, is it acid or calcareous soils?

Between the tubular species it may helped to notice if the outside of the tube (calyx) is winged, or what the leaf shape is.

And then you get some Gentianella’s where the flowers have a fringed white throat.

But most important to just enjoy them!

Here are some other punchy purple specimens..