Violet
|
Botanical Name |
Viola odorata |
|
Family |
Violaceae |
|
Other Names |
Apple-leaf, bairnwort, banwort, bessy banwood, blaver, blue violet, English violet, garden violet, sweet scented violet, sweet violet |
|
Habitat |
Woods, hedges, scrub |
|
Description |
Low creeping perennial up to 15cm/½ft. 12cm/5in spread dark green heart shaped stalked leaves, violet-blue flowers 5 sepals March – May Sweet smell |
|
Native to |
Britain, Europe, parts of Asia |
|
Cultivated in |
Worldwide |
|
Parts used |
Leaves, flowers |
|
Cultivation |
Full sun or partial shade Moist well drained soil. Plant September, October or March |
|
Harvesting |
Spring |
|
Actions |
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antiseptic, decongestant, diuretic, expectorant, laxative, soporific, stimulant |
|
Constituents |
Nonadienal, parmone, hexyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, ionone, viola quercitin Phenolic glycosides: gaultherin, violautoside Flower: Volatile oil: alpha ionone, dihydro-beta-inonone, curcumene, zingiberene, 2,6-nonadien-1-al, undecan-2-one Saponins: myrosin, violin Flavonoids: rutin, violarutin Odoratine, an alkaloid, 2-nitropropionic acid, mucilage |
|
Culinary Uses |
Flowers: salads, fruit salads, rice dishes |
|
Skin |
Acne, eczema, wounds |
|
Circulatory, muscle joint |
Fibrosis, poor circulation, rheumatism |
|
Respiratory |
Bronchitis, catarrh |
|
Nervous system |
Dizziness, headaches, insomnia, nervous exhaustion |
|
Other Uses |
Perfume, flavouring |
|
Other Notes |
Symbol of constancy Napoleon is said to have given Josephine sweet violets every wedding anniversary It is considered unlucky to bring less than a handful into the house If it blooms in autumn it is a sign of something sinister It is said to be a nymph who was transformed into the flower to protect her from the advances of Phoebus the sun god It is dedicated to Diana |