Syn.: Ciminalis clusii (Perr. et Song.) Holub
Family: Gentianaceae Juss.
Distribution: Mountains of Central Europe – Jura, Schwarzwald, Central and Eastern Alps, Carpathians, Dinarides.
Ecology: It grows on limestone rocks, in pastures and grassy slopes, up to 2700 metres above sea level. It blooms from May to July.
Description: A perennial herb with a short rhizome and erect stem, 5–10 cm high. The leaves are in a basal rosette, lanceolate, entire. The single flowers are large, up to 7 cm long, with a bell-shaped and blue corolla. The fruit is a capsule.
Threat and protection: The Clusius‘ Gentian is an endangered and protected plant in some countries (A, CH, D, I, SK).
Note: The plant is rarely seen in gardens.
These images were taken in Slovakia, Malá Fatra Mts. (May 9 and June 14, 2004).
