Gentian (Gentianaceae family) is a robust perennial mountain plant. It has large ovate opposite leaves and clusters of yellow flowers. A plant can live for 50 years, while it only produces its first blooms after 10 years. Roots, which are always picked in the wild, should not be removed until the plant has flowered several times. Gentian production areas are carefully monitored to limit the decline of this species, which is as beautiful as it is useful.

Botanist's Glossary