Viola odorata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Viola odorata |
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V. odorata
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| Viola odorata |
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Viola odorata, also known as the Sweet Violet, is a beautiful species of violet flower. You might also hear it called the English Violet, Common Violet, or Garden Violet. This lovely plant originally comes from Europe and Asia. Over time, it has also been brought to places like North America and Australia, where it now grows too.
In India, this plant is known by names like Banafsa, Banafsha, or Banaksa. People there have traditionally used it as a natural remedy. For example, it's often used to help with a sore throat or tonsillitis.
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About the Sweet Violet Plant
Sweet Violets are small plants that grow close to the ground. They are known for their lovely scent and pretty flowers.
Where Sweet Violets Grow
These violets prefer to grow in shady, moist places. You can often find them in:
- Forests
- Hedges
- Grassy areas
- Gardens
They are quite hardy and can spread easily.
What Sweet Violets Look Like
Sweet Violets have:
- Heart-shaped leaves that are usually dark green.
- Small, five-petaled flowers.
- The flowers are typically a deep purple color.
- Sometimes, you might find white or pale violet varieties.
- They often grow on short stems.
How Sweet Violets Spread
Sweet Violets spread in a few ways. They can spread through their seeds, which are often carried by ants. They also use special stems called stolons. These stolons grow along the ground and can root to form new plants. This helps the violet patch grow bigger over time.
Uses of Sweet Violet
Beyond being a pretty garden plant, Sweet Violets have been used for different purposes for a long time.
Traditional Uses
Historically, people have used Sweet Violets for their medicinal properties. As mentioned, in India, it's used for throat issues. In other cultures, it was used for things like:
- Calming upset stomachs
- Helping with headaches
- As a mild pain reliever
Modern Uses
Today, Sweet Violets are still valued. Their sweet scent makes them popular in:
- Perfumes
- Soaps
- Other cosmetic products
The flowers can also be used to make a sweet syrup or candied for decoration on desserts.
Images for kids
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The whole plant, showing its stolons
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A white V. odorata flower
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See also
In Spanish: Violeta común para niños
