The embryology of Swertia minor Knobl. (Gentianinae Gentianaceae) was studied. Features of its development are tetrasporangiate anthers, dicotyledonous type sporangial wall formation, glandular anther tapetum and its dual origin, simultaneous cytokinesis in microsporocytes, tricolporate two-celled pollen, unilocular ovary, forked parietal placentae, tenuinucellar unitegmic anatropous ovules, Polygonum-type megagametogenesis, persistent multiple multinucleate highly enlarged haustorial antipodal cells, nuclear endosperm, Solanad type embryo development, and multiseriate suspensor. Embryological features of taxonomic significance in the Gentianinae are compiled in a review of the pertinent data on the subtribe.