Gentian Pollination

Gentian being pollinated by a bee.
Bottleneck Gentian's corolla remains closed at the top even when the flower is ready for pollinating insects. Bumblebees are it's primary pollinators, as they are one of the few insects that can force their way past the closed corolla. Some gentians are used in herbal medicine as an anti-inflammatory, to lower fevers, strengthener of the memory, and as a liver tonic. It's also used as a gastric stimulant to treat a loss of appetite, digestive problems, flatulence, and insufficient production of gastric juices and saliva. It's often used in Bitters.

Cutest Little Bum

Yes, that is a bumblebee tush sticking out of a bottleneck gentian flower.

Bottleneck Gentian Flowers

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Disclaimer

My blog is meant to inform and I strive to be totally accurate. It is solely up to the reader to ensure proper plant identification. Some wild plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects.