Gentiana purpurea is a plant growing in European Mountains, including the Alps and in Norway (800-1,000 m). The root contains gentianides and has been used for centuries as medicine against diarrhea, constipation problems, etc. Norwegian farmers exported the dried root since the middle ages, and the plant was exterminated in some districts. The flower never really opens - it is violet during blossom and then turns brown while drying after summer. The taste is bitter, yet Norwegians called it Søterot ("sweet root"). Photo from Gaustad, Tinn municipality in Telemark county, Norway