VIOLET TRIBE J3 



almost without petals, and borne on short stalks. These insignifi- 

 cant flowers are prolific seed bearers. The Heartsease is an excep- 

 tion to this phenomenon. 



I. Viola (Violet) 



i. V. hirta (Hairy Violet). Leaves heart-shaped, rough, as well 

 as their stalks, with hairs ; bracts below the middle of the flower- 

 stalks ; sepals obtuse ; lateral petals with a hairy central line. 

 Flowers various shades of blue, rarely white, scentless. Best dis- 

 tinguished from the sweet violet (to which it is nearly allied) by its 

 very hairy leaves and capsules, by the position of the bracts, and 

 by the absence of creeping scions. Fl. April, May. Perennial. 



2. V. odorata (Sweet Violet). Leaves heart-shaped, slightly 

 downy, especially beneath ; bracts above the middle of the flower 

 stalk ; sepals obtuse ; lateral petals with a hairy central line ; 

 scions creeping. One of the most highly prized of all our wild 

 flowers, unrivalled in fragrance, and doubly welcome from its ap- 

 pearing so early in spring. The flowers are deep purple, lilac, 

 pale rose-coloured, or white, and all these tints may sometimes be 

 discovered on the same bank. The roots possess the medicinal 

 properties of Ipecacuanha, and the flowers are used as a laxative 

 for children. An infusion of the petals is employed as a chemical 

 test, being changed to red by acids, and by alkalies to green. The 

 flowers are said to communicate their flavour to vinegar in which 

 they have been steeped, and it is also said that they are used in 

 the preparation of the Grand Seignor's sherbets. Fl. March, 

 April. Perennial. 



3. V. palnstris (Marsh Violet). Leaves heart- or kidney-shaped, 

 quite smooth ; sepals obtuse, spur very short ; root creeping ; 

 scions none. Bogs and marshy ground ; common, more particularly 

 in the north. Flowers delicate lilac, with darker veins ; leaves 

 light green, often purplish beneath. Fl. April to June. Perennial. 



4. V. canina (Dog Violet). Stem channelled, leafy, ascending; 

 leaves heart-shaped, acute ; stipules long, toothed, fringed ; bracts 

 awl-shaped, entire ; sepals acute. Hedges, heaths, and rocky 

 ground ; the most common species. Flowers light blue, purple, 

 or white ; more abundant and lasting longer than any of the pre- 

 ceding, but less beautiful and scentless. This species appears to 

 iave received its specific name as a reproach for its want of per- 

 /ume. There are several varieties classed by some as distinct 

 species ; of these the more important are, V. pumila, which is 

 small, not more than 3 inches high ; V. stagnina taller than the 

 type, with very pale blue flowers. 



5. V. tricolor (Pansy or Heartsease). Stem angular, branched ; 

 leaves oblong, crenate ; stipules deeply cut, terminal lobe broad, 

 crenate. Cultivated fields. Very different in habit from any of 



