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Viola tricolor: A Comprehensive Overview
Viola tricolor, commonly known as wild pansy, heartsease, or Johnny Jump up, is a fascinating and versatile plant with a rich history and diverse applications.
Botanical Characteristics
Viola tricolor belongs to the Violaceae family and is characterized by:
Viola tricolor L. Plants of the World Online Kew Science
Growth Habit:
It’s an annual or short-lived perennial.
It has a creeping and ramping habit, typically reaching up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) in height.
Leaves:
Leaves are alternate, unlike some other violets that have basal rosettes.
Flowers:
Flowers are solitary and lateral, borne on long peduncles.
The corolla can exhibit a variety of colors, including purple, blue, yellow, and white.
Flowers are typically 10 to 25 millimeters (3/8 to 1 inch) long.
Roots:
The root system is of the rhizome type, with fine rootlets.
Distribution and Habitat
Viola tricolor is widespread across the Eurasian continent.
It thrives in diverse habitats, including:
Open grasslands.
Wastelands.
Banks and alluvial areas.
It prefers acidic or neutral soils, and often grows in partial shade.
It can be found at altitudes ranging from 0 to 2,700 meters (8,900 feet).
Historical and Cultural Significance
The plant has been cultivated since the Middle Ages for its ornamental and medicinal properties.
It is the progenitor of the cultivated pansy.
Many folk names exist for this plant, and it has been involved in folklore, and also has been used in traditional medicine for many years.
Medicinal Applications
Viola tricolor has a long history of medicinal use, and modern research is beginning to validate traditional applications.
Traditional Uses
Viola tricolor (garden violet): Go Botany
Historically, it has been used to treat:
Skin diseases, such as eczema and burns.
Respiratory problems, including bronchitis, asthma, and cold symptoms.
Cardiovascular conditions.
Epilepsy.
It has also been used as an expectorant.
Modern Research
Studies have shown that Viola tricolor extract possesses:
Anti-inflammatory properties.
Antimicrobial properties.
Antioxidant properties.
Immunosuppressant properties.
Potential anti-cancer properties.
The plant contains various bioactive compounds, including:
Flavonoids (e.g., violanthin, violaquercitrin, quercetin, luteolin, and rutin).
Saponins.
Salicylates.
Cyclotides.
Vitamins A and C.
Ecological and Agricultural Considerations
Viola tricolor can tolerate a range of environmental conditions.
Research has been conducted on its tolerance to various environmental stresses, including:
Salt stress.
Temperature stress.
Heavy metal stress.
Studies have shown that Viola tricolor can be used in the landscaping of flowerbeds, and other ornamental applications.
Research has shown the plants reaction to differing soil PH levels.
Genetic and Karyological Studies
Viola tricolor is a karyologically unstable species.
Studies have shown interpopulation variability in its karyotype structure.
Research has been conducted into the plants reaction to heavy metal polution, and the effects it has on its Karyotype.
Key Components.
Viola tricolor, True Wild Form Seeds £.5 from Chiltern Seeds
The plant contains many useful components, including:
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