Gentianella species from New Zealand with potential as ornamental crops

The international ornamentals industry already benefits from recently developed ornamental plant products from New Zealand (NZ) such as begonia Bonfire™, limonium Sinzii™ and the gentian Showtime™ series. Gentianella, a genus closely related to Gentiana, has species endemic to geographic locations within NZ including the Chatham Islands to the east, the Sub-Antarctic islands to the south, and coastal and alpine regions of NZ's North and South Islands. Amongst the 30 species recognised as endemic to NZ, 78% have white flowers, but yellow, green, pink, red and purple flowers are also evident. More than 60% of species have a short stature with multiple flowering stems, making them suitable targets as potted or landscape plants, while the taller species may have potential as cut flowers. More than 80% of the species exist in alpine habitats, with others being coastal, suggesting a broad range of environmental tolerances across the genus. We intend to explore the genetic diversity available within the genus Gentianella, investigating opportunities to develop commercial use within this genus.