Viola sp.

Violets have five petals, with the lowest petals spurred or pouched at the base. The violet family (Violaceae) has some species that are cultivated as ornamentals, such as the pansy. The seeds of plants in this genus have little appendages, which attract ants that feed on them; the ants thus aid in the dispersal of the seeds. Plants in the genus Viola are used as host plants for the Semiramis Fritillary butterfly.

Introduction to Valentien Collection
Gallery of Plants
Monarca: A Gallery of Butterfly Plants

Text by Margaret Dykens