Gentianaceae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gentian family |
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| Gentiana acaulis | |
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Gentianaceae
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The Gentianaceae are a large family of flowering plants. This plant family includes 87 different groups of plants, called genera. Within these genera, there are more than 1,500 different species of plants.
You can find plants from the Gentian family all over the world. They grow in many different places. This family includes trees, shrubs, and smaller herbs. They come in many beautiful colours and have unique flower shapes.
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What are Gentians?
The Gentian family is known for its diverse members. These plants can be small herbs or even larger shrubs and trees. They often have bright, colourful flowers. These flowers can be blue, purple, yellow, or white.
Many people grow some Gentian species in their gardens. They are popular as ornamental plants because they are so pretty. Other plants in this family are useful for different reasons.
How are Gentians Used?
Some plants from the Gentian family have a bitter taste. This bitter quality is used in medicine. It can also be used to add flavour to certain foods and drinks. For example, some traditional medicines use parts of these plants.
How Gentians Get Their Food
Many plants in the Gentian family have a special way of getting their food. They are called mycoheterotrophs. This means their roots need help from fungi. The fungi break down organic material in the soil. Then, the Gentian plants can absorb the nutrients they need from the fungi. It's like a partnership where the fungi do some of the work for the plant.
See also
- In Spanish: Gentianaceae para niños
Images for kids
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A beautiful Gentian flower.
