Centaurium
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Centaurium is a genus [older name Erythraea], containing about 50 species, in the Gentian family (Gentianaceae), tribe Chironieae, subtribe Chironiinae. The genus was named after the centaur Chiron, famed in Greek mythology for his skill in medicinal herbs. The common name for plants in this genus is Centaury.
This genus is primarily distributed in the Mediterranean. However, a species such Centaurium littorale is widespread, but not common, between the Northern Mediterranean and Scandaniavia
Plants in the genus contain bitter principles, and are sometimes used medicinally as a stomachic and tonic.
Species in this genus include:
- Centaurium calycosum (Buckley) Fernald
- Centaurium erythraea (Griseb.) Wight
- Centaurium exaltatum Rafin.
- Centaurium littorale (Turner) Gilmore : Seaside Centaury
- Centaurium muhlenbergii (Griseb.) Wight
- Centaurium pulchellum (Sw.) Druce
- Centaurium spicatum (L.) Fernald
- Centaurium texense (Grieseb.) Fernald
References
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