History and Cultivation of Parma Violets (Viola, Violaceae) in the United Kingdom and France in the Nineteenth Century

A revised phylogenetic classification forViola(Violaceae)

“…dehnhardtii (Ten.) W. Becker referred to as ‘Parma’ violets or ‘Violette de Toulouse’ [7, 20]. The former (Figure 1) has been cultivated for the production of essential oil for the perfume industry [16, 17].…”

“…Viola continued to be used throughout the Middle Ages and species like V. odorata (Figure 1), V. elatior, and V. tricolor were described as medicinal plants in early modern period herbals (e.g., Matthiolus 1562 [8]). In Renaissance paintings and in the Christian traditions, violets were commonly associated with the Virgin Mary and had a symbolic meaning connected with humility [7]. Matthiolus (1562 [8]).…”

“…Violets and pansies are well-known plants and have a long history in European folklore and the first records describing the use of Viola in Europe are from Ancient Greece [7]. Fragrant violets were sold in the Athenian agora, praised by Greek poets, such as in the writings of Sappho, used in medicine, had an active role in myths, such as in the abduction of Persephone, were used in garlands, and they were present in The Odyssey’s garden of Calypso [7]. Viola continued to be used throughout the Middle Ages and species like V. odorata (Figure 1), V. elatior , and V. tricolor were described as medicinal plants in early modern period herbals (e.g., Matthiolus 1562 [8]).…”

“…dehnhardtii (Ten.) W. Becker, known as ‘Parma violets’ [7, 20], and V. suavis [21, 22]. Pansy flowers have been used as garnishes on salads and cakes.…”

“…All species have petals glabrous within, and all share a peculiar synapomorphy of prolonged "u"-shaped anther connective appendages on the bottom pair of stamens, first documented in two Brazilian species by Freitas and Sazima [210]. The Mesoamerican and southeastern Brazilian lineages may have diverged 8.7 (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16) Ma ago [28].…”