Gentianaceae

Non-woody (herbaceous) terrestrial plants usually with simple, entire, usually opposite leaves that mostly are unstalked, flowers with 4 or 5 petals fused to form shapes resembling wheels, funnels or bells, and 2 carpels fused to form a single ovary and 1 style that may be cleft at its tip.

Flowers may be solitary or in clusters (usually cymes) at the top of the stem or where the leaf joins the stem (axil). Individual flowers usually produce both pollen and seeds, and are symmetrical in all directions (radially). Sepals usually 4 or 5, fused, their inner surface often with hairs that that produce a sticky or gummy substance. The tube formed by fusion of the petals often has nectar glands or scales on its inner surface, and often appears pleated. The lobes of the petals are usually rolled together. Stamens 4 or 5, their stalks attached to the petals and alternate with the lobes. Ovary located above site of attachment of the other flower parts (superior). Fruit usually a capsule that opens lengthwise via slits. Plants in the Pink Family (Caryophyllaceae) and St. John’s-wort Family (Hypericaceae) may be mistakenly thought to belong to this family but don’t have fused petals, 2 carpels or a single style.

Leaves small and scale-like on Bartonia, species that lack chlorophyll, derive nutrition from other plants and may have alternate leaves. Veins on leaves usually arise from both sides of a main central vein. Stipules none. Hairs producing a sticky or gummy substance often also present where leaves join the stem.

Stems sometimes winged.