Veronica gentianoides

Veronica gentianoides, the gentian speedwell, is a species of flowering perennial plant in the family Plantaginaceae found in the Middle East, from Turkey to Iran.

Veronica gentianoides
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Veronica
Species:
V. gentianoides
Binomial name
Veronica gentianoides
Vahl[1]

Description

Veronica gentianoides grows from spreading above-ground rhizomes, eventually forming a mat of glossy green leaves, grouped into rosettes. Individual leaves are more or less elliptical in shape and 2–8 cm (0.8–3.1 in) long. It flowers in early summer, producing narrow erect spikes (racemes) up to 30–40 cm (12–16 in) tall, with blue flowers which are 10–16 mm (0.4–0.6 in) across. The species is very variable. Flowers can be from almost white to deep blue; plants growing at high altitudes are considerably shorter, possibly only 5–10 cm (2–4 in) tall, with smaller leaves.[2]

The species is found in Turkey, the Caucasus and Iran, where it grows in damp, relatively open habitats, including forests, grassland and alpine areas up to 3,600 m (11,800 ft).[2]

Cultivation

It is grown in temperate climates as an ornamental plant, particularly by alpine gardeners.[3] Some cultivars are available, including 'Nana' (which may just be a smaller high altitude form),[2] 'Variegata' which has leaves marked with white,[2] and 'Tissington White', which has very pale flowers.[4]

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References
  1. IPNI Plant Name Query Results for Veronica gentianoides, The International Plant Names Index, retrieved 2012-05-19
  2. Beckett, K., ed. (1994), Encyclopaedia of Alpines : Volume 2 (L–Z), Pershore, UK: AGS Publications, ISBN 978-0-900048-62-3, p. 1370
  3. "RHS Plant Selector - Veronica gentianoides". Retrieved 8 June 2013.
  4. Veronica 'Tissington White', Burford Garden Company, archived from the original on 2012-05-19, retrieved 2012-05-19
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