Scientific Name
Viola dasyphylla W.Becker
Scientific Classification
Family: Violaceae
Subfamily: Violoideae
Tribe: Violeae
Genus: Viola
Etymology
The specific epithet "dasyphylla (das-ee-FIL-uh)" means "shaggy-leaved" and refers to the hairy leaves.
Origin
Viola dasyphylla is native to Argentina.
Description
Viola dasyphylla is an attractive perennial plant with spirally arranged leaves in densely imbricate, somewhat columnar rosettes. It belongs to the group of Rosulate Violas. The semi-succulent leaves are green with white cartilaginous margins.
The flowers are usually white or sometimes creamy-yellow with violet lines and appear in early summer. They can reach up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter.
Viola dasyphylla is very similar to Viola cotyledon but has smaller beardless flowers.
How to Grow and Care for Viola dasyphylla
Rosulate Violas have a reputation for being difficult to keep alive. Therefore, cold conditions, soil with adequate amounts of nutrients, and as much light as possible are essential.
Soil: They grow in relatively bare, loose soils, often volcanic in origin.
Hardiness: Viola dasyphylla 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 dasyphylla
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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