The second last entry in the series on Gentianaceae takes us to the Páramo of southern Ecuador, a high-altitude grassland ecosystem dominated by bunch-grasses. Another big thank you to Eric in SF@Flickr for sharing his photographs (original image | Botany Photo of the Day Flickr Pool).
The question was asked by Mary Hamilton in the comment section to Gentiana calycosa as to whether one of the “closed gentians” (that can be seen in New Jersey) would be featured. Mary was probably thinking of Gentiana andrewsii (see more photos), but there are other “closed” gentians and gentian relatives, including Gentianella quinquefolia and today’s species, Gentianella hirculus.
Gentianella means “dwarf gentian” — today’s species reaches only 10cm (4in.) tall. The centre of diversity for the genus is South America, though the two hundred plus species are distributed throughout most temperate regions of the world. Gentianella hirculus is considered endangered by the IUCN Red List, with only 12 populations of plants remaining in the wild. Threats include grazing and, paradoxically, visitors to the park where most (all?) plants reside.
“Closed” gentians are either known or assumed to be pollinated by long-tongued bees (example). Take that, Gene Simmons.
Those flowers are stunning! They look like miniature hot-air balloons.
yes, just almost unbelievable. enjoy the Kiss humor! thank you both again and also once again so sad to hear of its status
These photos remind me of what a beautiful place the earth is. Thanks for the information. I really hope these populations will have a great chance at survival… despite the odds.
. . . yes, Justine, how beautiful and how varied/diverse.
Spectacular coloration…
Spectacular indeed!
Daniel,
Thanks for the info on the Gentianopsis detonsa. Sorry it took me a couple of days to get back to you, but the directions make sense, and mid-July, so maybe someday…
The hirculus is wonderful!
PNS
absolutely gorgeous!
Nature at its most fascinating and the lengths it “goes to” to evolve. The colours and the mode of pollinating. Which poses the question och what came first the flower or the long-tounged bee and what circumstances made them develop over the ages.
Mary Hamilton is one of the “Four Marys” famed in Scots folk song.
great colors -peony buds look have
the same look before opening- and wrapped candy
thank you eric you were perhaps eye level
with your camera tis so bright and sharp
thank you daniel-perhaps you will post
pictures from the olympics
claire b…took the words out of my mouth..!!
resident of N.M…lots of ballons…!
That’s a circus tent for garden fairies… Super cool!
The picture shows the related species Gentianella hyssopifolia, not Gentianella hirculus.