Viola Odorata

Scientific description

Phylum: Angiospermatophyta (Magnoliophyta)
Class: Dicotyledonatae (Magnoliatae)
Subclass: Dileniidae
Order: Violales
Family: Violaceae
Common name: Sweet violet
Origin: Northern Europe.

Description:
Perennial herbaceous plant with a thick rhizome from which numerous adventitious roots emerge. Aerial part: rosette of leaves and creeping stems (stolons) with nodes for rooting and new plant formation. Leaves dark green, heart-shaped, toothed, long petioles, small triangular stipules at base. Flowers solitary, fragrant, on long stalks, with 5 unequal sepals and 5 dark violet petals; lower petal with long straight or curved spur. Androecium: 5 stamens; ovary with hook-shaped style. Fruit: globular capsule opening into 3 valves. Seeds small, shiny, with fleshy appendage aiding ant dispersal.

Propagation: Seeds, rhizomes, or stolons.

Ecology: Meadows, clearings, plains, hilly regions; frost-resistant, moderate moisture and soil requirements; wide distribution due to sexual and vegetative reproduction.

Uses: Ornamental; varieties with large, scented flowers from wild species. Petals and leaves used in perfumes. Herbal medicine: aerial and underground parts with emollient and expectorant properties for coughs and bronchitis. Landscaping of yards and gardens.

Threats: Little known as medicinal plant in country; threatened by pasture/shrub replacement with arable land and overgrazing.

Creative writing inspired by Viola Odorata

Written by Andreea-Mihaela Tote

Viola odorata

In a dark forest, where light timidly filtered through the branches of ancient trees, there lived a young nymph named Io. Zeus, the god of the sky, loved Io, but to protect her from the wrath of his wife, Hera, he transformed her into a white heifer. Io wandered through the forest, seeking refuge. One day, weeping over her fate, her tears fell to the ground, and from them sprouted delicate and fragrant flowers–violets. Thus, the flower became a symbol of love and sorrow, carrying the memory of an impossible love.

In another legend, violets appeared where the blood of the hero Attis fell upon the earth. Attis, beloved by the goddess Cybele, died during a hunting expedition, and from his spilled blood violets grew, symbolizing pain and sacrifice. This story was taken up and adapted in Greek and Roman mythology, where violets were associated with the goddess Venus and the tragic love between her and Adonis.

In the Middle Ages, violets were considered symbols of humility and virginity. They were used to decorate the graves of saints and maidens, being associated with purity and sacrifice. Also, in Christian tradition, violets were often planted on the graves of loved ones, as a sign of eternal love and respect.

Today, violets (Viola odorata) continue to be appreciated for their beauty and fragrance. They are used in perfumery, in traditional medicine, and as a symbol of love and memory. Thus, the delicate violet flower remains a silent witness to stories of love and sacrifice from the past.

3D Interactive View

Authentic Specimen