Gentianella polysperes
Early Forest Gentian
Annual or biennial herb with several widely spreading erect branches.
Additional information
- SynonymChionogentias polysperes, Gentianella aff. diemensis (Montane forests)
- FamilyGentianaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size10-35 cm x 10-30 cm
- Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
- LeavesDark green basal rosette of stalked, spoon-shaped leaves 2-4 cm x 5-10 mm, stem leaves narrower, stalkless to 3 cm x 3-7 mm.
- Flower colourWhite to cream with grey to violet veins
- Flowering timeSeptember to December
- FlowersTerminal leafy cluster of 5-7 erect cup-shaped flowers, stalks 2-4 cm long, longest on upper flowers.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in light open forests of foothills. Frost and snow tolerant. Full sun, semi-shade. May have disappeared from the Dandenong Ranges locations.
- Garden useA short-lived attractive plant for containers in moist peaty soil.
- Commercially availableNever
- Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites and disappearing, extinct in some sites. Scattered in the Eastern Highlands of Victoria.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Marc Freestone, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©; 2 Richard Hartland ©
Plant Communities