Scientific Name
Viola chamaedrys Leybold
Scientific Classification
Family: Violaceae
Subfamily: Violoideae
Tribe: Violeae
Genus: Viola
Etymology
The specific epithet "chamaedrys (kam-EE-drees)" means "ground oak" and refers to the leaf shape and low-growing habit.
Origin
Viola chamaedrys is native to central Chile.
Description
Viola chamaedrys is a small annual or short-lived perennial that forms stemless rosettes of semi-succulent, strongly crenate leaves. It belongs to the group of Rosulate Violas. Leaves are gray-green to purplish-brown with hairy edges. They change their color to blend in with their backgrounds.
The flowers are white to pink with violet lines and yellow throat. They appear from spring to early summer.
How to Grow and Care for Viola chamaedrys
Rosulate Violas have a reputation for being difficult to keep alive. Therefore, cold conditions, soil containing adequate nutrients, and as much light as possible are essential.
Soil: They grow in relatively bare, loose soils, often volcanic in origin.
Hardiness: Viola chamaedrys can withstand temperatures as low as 0 to 50 °F (-17.8 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 7a to 11b.
Propagation: Rosulate Violas are grown only from seed and with some patience.
The main problem with these plants is etiolation, caused by a lack of light, which results in the elongation of the compact rosettes. However, it is known that some of the seedlings will quickly etiolate while others will not. So, there is some scope in selecting Rosulate Violas that are more likely to grow satisfactorily in cultivation.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Rosulate Violas.
Toxicity of Viola chamaedrys
Violas are nontoxic for humans and pets. Both the flowers and leaves are edible, fresh, cooked, or dried.
Links
- Back to genus Viola
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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