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Dicotyledons with Gamopetalous Flowers . 
Natural Order 
GENTIANACEHL Tab. 56. 
Diagnosis. —Herbs with opposite entire exstipulate leaves, or aquatics 
with alternate leaves. Corolla hypogynous, regular. Stamens epipetalous, 
as many as corolla-lobes, and alternate with them. Ovary usually 1 -celled, 
with numerous parietal ovules. 
Distribution. —A considerable Natural Order, widely distributed in both Hemispheres, but most 
abundant in cool regions either of latitude or altitude. Many species of the principal genus, Gentian 
(Gentiana), are characteristic of alpine vegetation. 
Number of British Genera, 6 : Species, n. 
Leaves alternate and trifoliolate, from a creeping root-stock in Buckbean ( Menyanthes); floating, resembling those 
of a small Water-lily, in Limnanthemum; opposite and connate in Yellow-wort (Chlora perfoliata). 
Corolla in Buckbean and Limnanthemum, both aquatic herbs, fringed more or less within. 
USES, &c.—The species are almost invariably bitter, and several are employed in medicine as tonics ; in Europe 
chiefly Gentiana lutea , common in alpine pastures. The flowers of Gentianaceae are generally brilliant in colour, 
usually blue, yellow or red, and several are grown for ornament, as Gentianella (Gentiana acaulis) of the European 
Alps, in open borders and on rock-work, and a few exotic genera in plant-houses. 
