Viola variegata
Fisch. ex Link
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(c) Alexander Ganse, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Alexander Ganse
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(c) Анна Васильченко, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Анна Васильченко
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(c) zhangshen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by zhangshen
Summary
Source: WikipediaA compact perennial violet reaching 4 inches tall. Flowers bloom April to May with seed ripening June to September. Insect-pollinated with red-purple flowers. Grows well in sandy, loamy, or clay soils with good drainage, preferring mildly acidic to neutral pH. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun in consistently moist soil.
Description
A compact perennial violet reaching 4 inches tall. Flowers bloom April to May with seed ripening June to September. Insect-pollinated with red-purple flowers. Grows well in sandy, loamy, or clay soils with good drainage, preferring mildly acidic to neutral pH. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun in consistently moist soil.
Edible Uses
Young leaves and flower buds can be eaten raw or cooked, and act as a thickener when added to soups, similar to okra. This species produces red-purple flowers. Caution is advised for any members of this genus with yellow flowers, as those can cause diarrhoea when eaten in large quantities. The leaves can also be brewed into a tea.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Siberia,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a cool moist well-drained humus-rich soil in partial or dappled shade and protection from scorching winds. Tolerates sandstone and limestone soils but becomes chlorotic if the pH is too high. Prefers a pH between 6 and 6.5. All members of this genus have more or less edible leaves and flower buds, though those species with yellow flowers can cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities.
Propagation
Sow seed in autumn in a cold frame for best results; stored seed can be sown in early spring in a cold frame. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle and plant out in summer. Divide plants in autumn or just after flowering. Larger divisions can go directly into their permanent positions, though smaller divisions do better potted up and grown on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until established, then planted out in summer or the following spring.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
There are about 500 Viola species.
References (2)
- Enum. hort. berol. alt. 1:240. 1821
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
