Violet

About the Violet

Napoleon used the violet as his emblem and was nicknamed Corporal Violet. The ancient Greeks used violets to make perfume and medicinal preparations. They are one of the few flowers that can self-pollinate without ever opening (cleistogamy). The sweet violet (Viola odorata) produces ionone, which temporarily desensitizes smell receptors - the scent seems to disappear and return. They are edible and rich in vitamin C - used in salads and to make syrup. Over 500 species worldwide. The African violet is not actually a violet.