Viola odorata

Viola odorata
Viola odorata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Violaceae
Genus: Viola
Species: V. odorata
Binomial name
Viola odorata
L.

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 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, unmistakable scent of this flower has proved popular throughout the generations, 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.

Contents

Characteristics

Viola odorata is quite similar to other species of violet, but can be distinguished by the following characteristics:

  • the flowers have a sweet scent,
  • 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).

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.

Gallery

  • form, with stolons visible

  • Viola odorata 060403Bw.jpg
  • Viola odorata4 ies.jpg

External links


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