Gentianopsis detonsa; The Windmill Fringed Gentian is a rather small (10-20cm tall) annual/biannual plant.
The leaves are narrow-shaped and entire. At the base a number of side branches develop from the main stem.
The narrow flowers are 2½ to 5cm long. They are generally 4-parted, occasionally 5-parted. The calyx has 4 pointed narrow lobes. As such they resemble the flowers of the Alpine Gentian (Gentiana nivalis), but it is more purple colored compared to the dark blue (sometimes white) color of the Alpine Gentian. It also misses the appendages at the throat. Also the Alpine Gentian has 5-parted flowers where the Windmill Fringed Gentian is nearly always 4-parted.
It grows along river banks and other flat plains. It is found all along the coastal regions except for the southern coasts and more inland along some rivers in the north.
It is a member of the gentian family (Gentianaceae). The Icelandic name of this species is Engjavöndur.
FLORA OF ICELAND elements: Gentianopsis detonsa, Windmill Fringed Gentian, Engjavöndur
A brief introduction to Iceland plants
Text & Photographs by Dick Vuijk
- unless stated otherwise
Text & Photographs by Dick Vuijk
- unless stated otherwise
Other members of the Gentian, Broomrape and Mint families
Other members of the Gentian, Broomrape and Mint families