Marsh gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe)
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Species: Gentiana pneumonanthe
Common Name: Marsh gentian
Status: Protected, Swedish Environmental
Protection Agency
Range: Europe
Artist: Gillian Barlow
Artist Home Country: United Kingdom
Medium: Watercolor
The rare Alcon Blue butterfly depends on this gentian and an ant species for survival, an example of how one species’ extinction can lead to other losses. Marsh gentians occur in heathlands and boggy meadows, both shrinking habitats throughout Europe.
A specimen of Marsh gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe) from the museum's herbarium collection:
