Gentiana bavarica

Gentiana bavarica, the Bavarian gentian, is a herbaceous perennial species of flowering plant in the Gentian family Gentianaceae.

Description
Gentiana bavarica can reach a height of 5 - 15 cm. This plant forms a rosette of basal obovate to spathulate yellowish-green leaves, about 1 cm long. Flowers are deep blue, 1 - 2 cm long, with broad spreading lobes. They bloom from July to August.

Distribution and habitat
Gentiana bavarica is native to European Alps and prefers wet grasslands at elevation of 1300 - 3600 m above sea level.

Culture
D. H. Lawrence titled one of his latest poems Bavarian Gentians. In it, he likens the flower to a "blue, forked torch" that he uses to light his descent into the underworld.