98 VIOLACE^E 



properties. Kepresented in North America by two genera, namely, Ionid- 

 ium (Soled) and Viola, the former comprising three and the latter about 

 thirty species. Very few plants of the order have been experimented 

 with therapeutically, and these have yielded no very important results. 



VIOLA.— Violet. 



Character of the Genus. — Sepals extended into auricles at the base, 

 and appearing as though joined at their sides. Petals somewhat unequal, 

 the lower one spurred at the base. Stamens closely embracing the ovary, 

 slightly coherent, the two lower bearing spurs which project backward into 

 the spurred petal. 



In addition to the conspicuous colored flowers, several of the species 

 bear, later in the season, other flowers, on short peduncles, which do not 

 open but become fertilized in the bud, and develop their capsules at or 

 near the surface of the ground ; these are much more fruitful than the 

 colored blossoms, and are both curious and interesting. Most of the spe- 

 cies are stemless perennials. 



Viola cucullata Aiton. — Common Blue Violet. 



Description. — Calyx : sepals as in the character of the genus. Corolla : 

 petals variable as to size and color, generally comparatively large, pale or 

 deep violet-blue or purple, sometimes variegated or nearly white, the two 

 lateral and often the lower one bearded ; spur short and thick. 



A stemless perennial. Ehizome thickly beset with fleshy teeth, 

 branching and forming compact masses. Leaves upright on long petioles, 

 cordate with a broad sinus, varying to reniform or triangular, smooth or 

 pubescent, the bases rolled inward when young. Scapes simple, 3 to 10 

 inches high, 1-flowered, produced in profusion. Flowers inodorous or 

 nearly so, appearing in April or May and continuing to be produced 

 throughout the summer. 



Habitat. — This most common and most variable species is abundant in 

 wet places from the Arctic regions to the Gulf of Mexico. 



Viola pedata Linne. — Bird-Foot Violet. 



Description. — Calyx : sepals as in the preceding. Corolla : petals large, 

 beardless, pale or deep lilac-purple, or blue. 



A stemless perennial. Khizome erect, short, thick, abrupt. Leaves 

 all 3- to 5-divided, lateral divisions 2- to 3-parted, linear or spatulate, some- 

 times 2- to 3-toothed or cut at the apex. Flowers 1 inch broad, in masses 

 fragrant, appearing in May and, occasionally, another crop later in the 

 season. 



Habitat. — In sandy soil ; nearly as widely distributed as the preceding, 

 but far less common. 



Viola tricolor Linne. — Pansy, Heart's ease. 



Description. — Calyx : sepals as in the preceding. Corolla : petals large, 

 variegated with white, yellow, blue, purple, etc. 



