(1) In Western herbal medicine barberry root and gentian are used as bitter tonics to aid digestion.(2) Traditionally, gentians require a peat-based compost but Ian uses a u251cu00f6u251cu00e7u251cu2510greeneru251cu00f6u251cu00e7u251cu00fb alternative.(3) In summer, the meadow is in full bloom; in fall, asters and gentians shine, and the trees put on quite a display.(4) As we climb, the maze of trees, ferns, and blueberry bushes gives way to subalpine meadows painted with purple lupine, pale blue gentians , crimson columbine, and yellow arnica.(5) It's a surprisingly verdant mountain - spared by the last glaciation - where rhododendrons, gentians and rare orchids bloom.(6) While bamboo stalks and roots make up about 95 percent of its diet, the giant panda also feeds on gentians , irises, crocuses, fish, and occasionally small rodents.