Violet

Violets (genus Viola) are flowers of the family Violaceae, common in Europe in slightly shaded conditions such as hedgerows. Violets are small perennial plants with large heart-shaped leaves which flower profusely in spring. This genus includes pansies and the smaller spreading plants known as Johnny Jump-ups. There are two wild varieties, the most common having dark blue flowers, and the less commmon having white flowers - wild violets are not colored violet.

One quirk of the violet is its elusive scent - a major component of the scent is a ketone compound called ionone, which temporarily desensitises the receptors in the nose; sniff all you like, you won't get any more smell from the flower!

See Also

• violet according to Askham's Herbal
• violet according to Maplet's A Greene Forest