Syn.: Hippion nivale (L.) F. W. Schm., Calathiana nivalis (L.) Delarbre
Family: Gentianaceae Juss.
Distribution: Arctic-alpine species found in the arctic regions of Europe (Iceland, Scandinavia, also Scotland), North America (northeastern Quebec and Greenland), and mountains of Europe (the Pyrenees, Alps, Apennines, Carpathians, Rila Mts., Caucasus).
Ecology: It grows on rocky meadows and slopes, on limestone soils, in the subalpine to alpine zone. It blooms in July and August.
Description: Annual herb, 2–15(–30) cm high. Stem simple or branched from the base, leaves ovate to elliptical. Calyx-tube 2–3 mm wide in flower, angled but not winged, calyx-teeth 1/2–2/3 as long as the tube, narrowly triangular, acute, corolla to 15 mm long, pentamerous, blue. The fruit is a capsule.
Threat and protection: The Alpine Gentian is protected by law in Slovakia and Bulgaria.
These images were taken in Austria, Schneeberg and Raxalpe (August 17 and 18, 2004).
