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Gentiana andrewsii
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Bottle Gentian, also known as Closed Gentian for the flowers that never open, Gentiana andrewsii, typically found in damp prairie soil in this region. A fairly rare plant due to habitat destruction, but can still be found in some local prairie remnants. It may also be declining even more as its primary pollinator, Bumblebees, decline in numbers due to parasites, pesticides and loss of habitat.
According to the Illinois Wildflower site:
Bottle Gentian is occasional in the northern half of Illinois, and uncommon in the rest of the state. However, populations of the plant are probably declining as a result of the destruction of wetlands. Habitats include moist black soil prairies, openings in floodplain forests, thickets, fens, and swampy areas near bodies of water. This plant often occurs in calcareous soil.
Bumblebees are the primary pollinators of the flowers, as they are one of the few insects that can force their way past the closed corolla. This floral characteristic excludes smaller insects that are less efficient at pollination from robbing nectar and pollen from the bumblebees. Because the foliage and roots are bitter-tasting, mammalian herbivores usually don't use this plant as a food source. However, deer may chomp off the tender tops of the plants before they have a chance to flower. This can cause the central stem to form smaller side branches. The seeds are too small to be of much interest to birds. The ecological value of Bottle Gentian is low, notwithstanding the appeal of the flowers to humans.
I re-posted this with a version that was cropped more tightly, sorry for the confusion. :-)
I believe that this is the first time that this species has been presented on TrekNature. |
Dave, mariki, boreocypriensis, jusninasirun, tuslaw, rcrick, Pitoncle has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
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great pic, I remember this species from the US, TFS Ori
- mariki
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1040 W: 65 N: 2163]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(8981) - [2008-09-24 8:30]
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Hello John,
Beautiful composition. Excellent focus on the first flower. Excellent exposure and great vivid colours.
Cheers,
Mariki
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- Dave
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 526 W: 47 N: 673]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(2169) - [2008-09-24 8:31]
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What an interesting flower! Good note and good job with this composition!
Hi John, indeed yesterday night I wrote a comment and marked this excellent macro capture of this closed beauty. But after I finished my writing I saw that it is deleted. Am I right? I think you re-upload it. Anyway, thanks for sharing this fine image my friend!
Cheers,
Bayram
Hello John. Thanks for sharing this beautiful flower that the petals remained closed. Strange to me and something I have never seen before. You have captured the image really well with this prime optics. Excellent sharp detail and good exposure of the image. well cropped and framed for TN. Best regards. Jusni
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- tuslaw
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 253 W: 8 N: 684]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(2229) - [2008-09-24 18:51]
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These are amazing blooms John,
I've never seen these flowers before, you've captured them extremely well. They remind me of the white Easter Lilies before they open up.
I would love to actually be able to see one in the field. Blue is probably my favorite color. Great notes!
Ron
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- rcrick
(3854)
- [2008-09-24 21:59]
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Hello John,
I spotted this the other day and as I was writing a critique it disappeared, glad to see you re posted it, Stunning composition, with very vivid colours and excellent detail, first flower I've ever heard of not opening, really nice work, t.f.s
Cheers, Rick :)
Bonjour John,
Très belle lumière pour cette splendide macro dans laquelle le sujet est bien valorisé par la délicatesse des couleurs.
A bientôt sur TN pour de nouvelles aventures.
Gérard
