Scientific Name
Viola coronifera W.Becker
Synonym(s)
Viola coronifera var. minoriflora
Scientific Classification
Family: Violaceae
Subfamily: Violoideae
Tribe: Violeae
Genus: Viola
Etymology
The specific epithet "coronifera (kor-uh-NIH-fer-uh)" means "wearing a crown" and refers to the flowers that form a crown at the top of the rosette.
Origin
Viola coronifera is native to Argentina.
Description
Viola coronifera is an attractive perennial plant that forms solitary or several rosettes of green, ovate leaves. It is one of the Violas with leaves arranged in a rosette. The rosettes can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are yellow or light orange, sweet-scented, and appear from late spring to early summer.
How to Grow and Care for Viola coronifera
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 coronifera 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, resulting in the elongation of the compact rosettes. However, it is known that in any bunch of seedlings, some will quickly etiolate, while others may 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 coronifera
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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