Viola odorata
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| Viola odorata | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Violaceae |
| Genus: | Viola |
| Species: | V. odorata |
| Binomial name | |
| Viola odorata L. |
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Viola odorata is a species of the genus Viola native to Europe and Asia, but has also been introduced to North America and Australasia. It is commonly known as Wood Violet[1], Sweet Violet, English Violet, Common Violet, or Garden Violet. The herb is known as Banafsa, Banafsha or Banaksa in India, where it is commonly used as remedy to cure sore throat and tonsilitis. The sweet scent of this flower has proved popular throughout the generations[by whom?], particularly in the late Victorian period, and has consequently been used in the production of many cosmetic fragrances and perfumes. The French are also known for their violet syrup, most commonly made from an extract of violets. In the United States, this French violet syrup is used to make violet scones and marshmallows.
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[edit] Characteristics
Viola odorata is quite similar to other species of violet, but can be distinguished by the following characteristics:
- the flowers are aromatic[1],
- the flowers are normally either dark violet or white,
- the leaves and flowers are all in a basal rosette,
- the style is hooked (and does not end with a rounded appendage),
- the leaf-stalks have hairs which point downwards, and
- the plant spreads with stolons (above-ground shoots).
These perennial flowers can mature at a height of 4 to 6 inches and a spread of 8 to 24 inches.[1]
[edit] Species
The species can be found near the edges of forests or in clearings; it is also a common "uninvited guest" in shaded lawns or elsewhere in gardens.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Viola odorata |
[edit] Gallery
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form, with stolons visible
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[edit] References
- ^ a b c Bruce Asakawa; Sharon Asakawa (3 September 2001). California Gardener's Guide. Cool Springs Press. p. 38-39. ISBN 978-1-930604-47-6. http://books.google.com/books?id=ow7NMmhz5wwC. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
[edit] External links
- "Viola odorata L.". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. http://www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/apni?taxon_id=40579.
- Jepson Manual Treatment
- USDA Plants Profile
- The American Violet Society
- GRIN Species Profile
- Washington Burke Museum
- Photo gallery
- Henriettes herbal http://www.henriettesherbal.com/articles/viola.html
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