PRINCIPAL SPECIES OF VIOLA 103 



The flowers of the type are purple and of good size. There 

 is also a pure white variety. V. septentrionale, with striped, 

 white flowers, is also a form of this species, which has been 

 in cultivation since 1795. 



V. elatior. This is a very distinct species growing 

 over one foot high, having a bush habit and erect stems ; 

 the flowers are pale blue. It is a native of Europe. 



V. gracilis. A beautiful, dwarf, free -flowering kind 

 from Greece, with large, deep-purple flowers that appear in 

 spring and summer. It is a valuable plant for the rock 

 garden or border. Although introduced in 1817, it has 

 only recently become plentiful in gardens. The variety 

 Valderia (heterophylla) is a charming variety from the 

 Tyrol, and with smaller violet-blue flowers spotted with 

 darker violet and white. 



V. hastata is a North American species with hastate 

 leaves and pale, violet-coloured flowers. 



V. hederacea. A charming species of creeping habit, 

 only 2 inches high, with lovely, lilac-blue and white flowers. 

 These are produced freely in summer, and are very attrac- 

 tive. The plant likes a moist position. It is also known 

 as Erpetion reniforme, and is a native of Australia, and is 

 only hardy in very sheltered situations. 



V. hirta A native and European plant closely allied 



to V. odorata, but very faintly scented, and with paler 

 flowers. 



