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The European centaury (Centaurium erythraea) belongs to Gentianaceae (the Gentian family). It is an annual or biennial herb that is native to Europe and western Asia and northern Africa. It has also naturalised in parts of North America and eastern Australia. This herb grows in open woods, meadows and dry grasslands, and it can reach 30-50 cm in height. The leaves are pale green, oblong or wedge-shapedくさび形, and arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers are petite pinkish-lavender, flat-faced with yellow anthers, and bloom from June until September. This herb is used as a medical herb in Europe.
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