58 TYPICAL FLOWERS OF ALPINE PASTURES 



The roots of Gentiana lutea contain a bitter 

 substance, which is used in medicine as a tonic. 

 Similar substances are also obtained from G. punctata 

 and G, purpurea, the roots being often collected in 

 Switzerland for this purpose. The Swiss also make a 

 liqueur, Gentian brandy, from some species. 



The leaves are large and rather like those of 

 Veratrum album. They are about 10 inches long, 

 and 2 inches at their broadest. The yellow flowers 

 are borne from three to nine in a whorl. The petals 

 are free and spreading. The anthers and stigmas 

 mature about the same time, and so, no doubt, some 

 self-fertilisation takes place. 



The flowers of the Yellow Gentian are regarded as 

 approximating closely to the primitive type of Gentian 

 flower, from which the blue-flowered and other 

 species have been evolved, largely by specialisation 

 to particular groups of insects. Here the petals are 

 free, whereas in all the other species they are united 

 to form bells or long tubular corollas, adapted to 

 fertilisation by long-tongued insects, such as humble- 

 bees and butterflies. The yellow colour is also a 

 primitive feature, whereas blue is a derived colour, 

 and is especially attractive to certain groups of 

 insects, such as bees. 



The nectary is also more primitive in Gentiana 

 lutea than in any other species. In other Gentians it 

 is found at the base of the corolla — that is, farther 

 from the entrance to the flower and out of reach 

 except to those insects possessing long tongues. 



