Botanical name:

Gentianella stellata

Common name(s):

Ultramafic Gentian

Plant facts:

A rare and specialised alpine herb endemic to New Zealand. This species is monocarpic (flowers once, then dies) and typically grows as a biennial. Known for its elegant white flowers and ability to thrive on nutrient-poor ultramafic soils.

Natural habitat:

Montane shrubland and scrub, particularly among mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and ultramafic-adapted vegetation.

Growing environment:

Cold, Wind, Free draining, Low fertility soil specialist.

Endemic distribution:

South Island only — found in the Nelson region including D’Urville Island, Bryant Range, Dun Mountain, Mt Starveall, and the Red Hills (Richmond Range).

Height:

180–730 mm when in flower

Flowering:

March – August
Produces multiple white flowers (occasionally with pale yellow tones), typically 11–59 per plant.

Fruiting:

April – September

Uses:

• Specialist alpine and conservation plantings
• Important component of ultramafic ecosystems

Appearance:

Growth habit:
Erect herb with one or several flowering stems arising from a basal rosette. Plants flower once before completing their life cycle.

Leaves:
Basal rosette leaves are narrow to elliptic and may be green or tinged with crimson, bronze, or purple-black. Leaves are often slightly curved or channelled. Stem leaves are smaller and more recurved.

Flowers:
Large, showy white flowers (14–29 mm long) with uncoloured veins. Flowers are borne on slender stalks along the stem. Anthers may appear yellow or dark blue-black, adding contrast.

Fruit:
Develops elongated capsules containing numerous seeds, with the ovary often turning purple as it matures.

How to grow:

Difficult to cultivate and not recommended for general growing. Requires very specific soil conditions and should not be collected from the wild. Best left to natural habitats and conservation efforts.