Gentianaceae

Gentianaceae are a family of flowering plants of 87 genera and over 1500 species.

Gentian family
Gentiana acaulis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Gentianales
Family:	Gentianaceae

The gentian

Distribution is cosmopolitan. The family consists of trees, shrubs and herbs showing a wide range of colours and floral patterns.

Economically, some species are cultivated ornamental plants and many species yield bitter principles used medicinally and in flavorings.

Many of this group are mycoheterotrophs: their roots need fungi to break down organic material for them to absorb.