Gentianaceae, or the Gentian family, is a family of plants in about 80 genera and some 900 species.
Flowers are actinomorphic and bisexual with fused sepals, petals and epipetalous stamens alternate with the corolla lobes. There is a glandular disk at the base of the gynoecium, and flowers have parietal placentation. Inflorescence is cymose. Fruit a dehiscent septicidal capsule, rarely a berry. Seed small with copious oily endosperm and a straight embryo. Habit varies from small trees, pachycaul shrubs to (usually) herbs, mycorrhiza very common. Plants are usually rhizomatous. Leaves opposite and simple. Stipules are absent. Plants usually accumulate bitter iridoid substances; bicollateral bundles are present.
Distribution is cosmopolitan. Economically, some species are cultivated ornamentals and many species yield bitter principles used medicinally and in flavorings.
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