Viola Facts
Viola Facts
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| Interesting Viola Facts: |
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| Violas can grow in the form of herbaceous plants and shrubs. These plants can reach from 20 inches to one foot in height. |
| Some species are acaulescent, which means that they do not have stem. They develop leaves in the form of rosette directly from the ground. Other species have short stem with alternately arranged leaves. |
| Leaves are green and heart-shaped. Their surface is either smooth or covered with fine hairs, depending on the species. |
| Flower is asymmetric and it consists of 5 petals and 5 sepals. Flower contains both male (stamens) and female (pistil) reproductive organs. Even though some species are capable for self-pollination, most species are pollinated by insects. |
| Color of the flower depends on the species. Violas can be purple, blue, white, creamy or multicolored. |
| Flower is fragrant due to compounds known as terpenes and ionone. Scent of some violas is so strong that it desensitizes nose and prevents detection of other odors. |
| Fruit of viola is called capsule. It contains miniature seeds that are catapulted away from the mother plant after explosion-like cracking of the capsule. |
| Ants are attracted by substances and tail-like appendages on the seeds. They collect and disperse seeds. |
| Besides via seeds, violas can be propagated via root cuttings. |
| Young leaves and flowers are edible. They can be used raw (as a part of salads), cooked (in the sauces and jellies) and for decoration of cakes and other desserts. |
| Violas contain substances such as anthocyanins and cyclotides which act like antioxidants and show anti-microbial and anti-viral properties. These chemicals also repel insects. |
| Stem, leaves and flowers can be used in treatment of congestion and sore throat. Root facilitates removal of the excess water from the body. Leaves and flowers can be used in treatment of anxiety and to alleviate stomach cramps. |
| Violas are very popular and often used in the industry of perfumes due to intense odor characteristic for this group of plants. |
| Old Romans and Greeks were drinking wine made of violas. They also used violas as food and remedy. Since violas were symbol or fertility and love in the ancient Greece, they were often used in the production of love potions. |
| Violas can be either annual (live one year) or perennial (live more than two years) plants. Lifespan of viola depends on the species and climate. |
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