3-42 Gentianaceae, gentian family

Of temperate and subtropical lands, the gentians comprise 1000 species. All are herbaceous plants and may have alternate, opposite or whorled leaves. Leaves reduced to scales in some species, otherwise simple and entire. Flowers are perfect, 4–5-merous, arranged in cymes. They are usually regular except for a deeply incised calyx. Sympetalous, the corolla lobes may be rolled. Stamens alternate with corolla lobes. Ovary is superior, unilocular. Fruits are capsules.Most of the species are rare or uncommon in Nova Scotia or overlooked. Photographs supplied by Alain Belliveau and Sean Blaney.