VIOLACEAE - Violet Family
Herbs, annual or
perennial
Leaves alternate or rarely opposite, simple, stipules present
Flowers solitary, sometimes
cleistomagmous (self-pollinated
flower that does not open), bisexual, zygomorphic, or
actinomorphic
Fruit a capsule
Seed with endosperm
16 genera, 900 species, main genera are Viola,
Hybanthus,
Rinorea.
Economic importance: violets, pansies
Medicinal uses - diuretic, laxative, sedative and numerous other
uses, may be toxic in larger doses
Diagnostic characteristics: herbs, zygomorphic flowers,
cleistogamous flowers hidden underground often present, cordate
leaves
IMAGE GALLERY
FLOWERING
PLANT GATEWAY