Common Centaury

Centaurium erythraea

"Centaurium erythraea" is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family known by the common names common centaury and European centaury.
Centaurium erythraea Tausendgüldenkraut Centaurium erythraea,Geotagged,Summer,Switzerland

Appearance

This is an erect biennial herb which reaches half a meter in height. It grows from a small basal rosette and bolts a leafy, erect stem which may branch. The triangular leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and the erect inflorescences emerge from the stem and grow parallel to it, sometimes tangling with the foliage. Each inflorescence may contain many flowers. The petite flower is pinkish-lavender and about a centimeter across, flat-faced with yellow anthers. The fruit is a cylindrical capsule.

It flowers from June until September.
Centaurium erythraea Introduced into Australia from Europe. Australia,Centaurium erythraea,Eamw flora,Geotagged,Spring

Distribution

This centaury is a widespread plant of Europe and parts of western Asia and northern Africa. It has also naturalised in parts of North America, and throughout eastern Australia, where it is an introduced species.
Centaurium erythraea Centaurium erythraea,Common Centaury,Geotagged,Israel,Spring

Uses

The European centaury is used as a medical herb in many parts of Europe. The herb, mainly prepared as tisane, is thought to possess medical properties beneficial for patients with gastric and liver diseases.

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