Viola (plant)

Viola (plant)

The Viola is a genus of flowering plants in the violet family Violaceae. It is the largest genus in the family, containing between 525 and 600 species. Most species are found in the temperate Northern Hemisphere; however, some are also found in widely divergent areas such as Hawaii, Australasia, and the Andes.

Description

Most species of Viola are perennial plants, some are annual plants, and a few are small shrubs. A large number of species, varieties and hybrids are grown in gardens for their ornamental flowers. In horticulture the term "pansy" is normally used for those multi-colored, large-flowered cultivars which are raised annually or biennially from seed and used extensively in bedding. The terms "viola" and "violet" are normally reserved for small-flowered annuals or perennials, including the species.

Distribution and habitat

Viola species are distributed around the world, with the greatest diversity in the temperate regions of the world, and are found in habitats ranging from alpine meadows to bog environments. Some species are also found in the subtropical regions of the world, such as the Hawaiian Islands, where a number of species of Viola have become extinct in the past 100 years.

Cultivation and uses

Many species, varieties and hybrids of Viola are used in gardening for their ornamental flowers. Cultivars of Viola cornuta, Viola cucullata, and Viola odorata, provide a wide range of flower colors. Some species of Viola are also used in herbal medicine, such as Viola odorata which is used in traditional herbal treatments for insomnia, high blood pressure and anxiety.

See also

• List of Viola species
• Violet (color)
• Pansy

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