Chiba University Matsudo/Kashiwa Campus Plant Database

Details of genus: Viola L. [451]

genus_ja: スミレ

genus_en: Pansy, Violet

# spp.: 682

pub_year:

accepted: Accepted

Family: Violaceae

family_ja: スミレ

Infra familial classification: Subfamily Violoideae

distribution_en: Temp. & Subtropical to Tropical Mountains

description_en: Genus of about 500 species of annuals, biennials, evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous perennials (some tufted or rhizomatous), and a few deciduous subshrubs, found in varied habitats in temperate regions worldwide. They have variable, entire to finely pinnatisect, mostly mid-green leaves with stipules. Some South American species are rosette-forming, and are very similar to sempervivums. The mostly unscented flowers, borne in the leaf axils, are usually solitary, rarely paired. Each has 5 petals: a spurred lower petal, 2 lateral petals, and 2 upward-facing upper petals. Most flower profusely over long periods in summer, and may self-seed freely. Many cultivars within the genus are informally referred to as garden pansies, violas, or violettas; they are all derived from the complex hybridization of V. tricolor, V. lutea, V. cornuta, and other species. Garden pansies (V. x wittrockiana cultivars) are biennials or very short-lived perennials, with faintly scented or unscented, more or less rounded flowers with patterned "faces". They have a single-stemmed root system. Violas, often called "tufted pansies", are compact, tufted perennials with usually scented, more or less rounded, often patterned flowers with rays (lines in a deeper or contrasting colour), and a multi-stemmed root system. Violettas are similar to violas, but are even more compact, with small, sweetly fragrant, oval flowers, each with a central yellow mark and no rays. The perennials and subshrubs are suitable for a rock garden, a scree bed, or the front of a border; a few are best in an alpine house. Treat garden pansies as annuals, biennials, or short-lived perennials: they are good for containers; some are suitable for summer bedding; plant winter- or spring-flowering types with spring-flowering bulbs.

hardiness_en: Fully hardy to half hardy.

cultivation_en:

propagation_en: Sow seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring; for garden pansies sow seed in late winter for early spring and summer flowering, or in summer for winter flowering. Divide V. biflora, V. cornuta, V. elatior, V. glabella, V. hederacea, V. obliqua, and V. odorata in spring or autumn. Take stem-tip cuttings of perennials and subshrubs in spring or late summer. Many viola species are short-lived, so propagate them regularly.

pests_en: May be damaged by slugs, snails, aphids, red spider mites, and violet leaf midges. Susceptible to leaf spot; may also be affected by mosaic viruses, rust, and powdery mildew.

description_ja:

comment: Temp.

comment_ja: スミレ，パンジー(pansy)

type_species:

Phylogenetic definition:

Update Information: Created: 2007-12-06 12:51; Updated: 2023-07-16 00:40 by hkokubun@mac.com

family: