Species of the Genus Gentiana L. in the Flora of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (Azerbaijan) and Prospects for their Use

One of the families of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic’s flora that is of significant industrial and medicinal importance is the Gentianaceae family (Gentianaceae). Worldwide, this family comprises approximately 65 genera and up to 800 species. Of these, 28 species are found in the Caucasus, 14 in Azerbaijan, including six species in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. These species are used in medicine as medicinal plants and in floriculture as ornamental plants. This article presents data on the significance of plant species of the genus Gentiana L. in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The biomorphological and bioecological characteristics and taxonomic composition of the genus are studied. The greatest diversity of gentians is observed in the mountain communities of Central Asia (79 species), where they play a significant role in the formation of highland vegetation.