its longer stem, perhaps 2, to 3 inches long, on which 

 only two or three pairs of opposite leaves are borne, and by 

 the fact that the lower leaves are smaller than the upper. 

 The Spring Gentian {Gentiana verna) has a very short stem, 

 covered by closely packed leaves like the short-leaved 

 variety, and like it, too, the lower leaves are the larger, but 

 its leaves are harder, narrower, and more pointed, and short 

 wing-like projections are found on its calyx. 



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