NEN Gallery

This flower was thought to be the flower of Aphrodite - goddess of love; its oils are still made into scents and flavourings. It used to be strewn on floors to cover smells. Although its fragrance soon disappeared, the other smells disappeared with it as it produces ionine a substance that dulls the sense of smell. This species is the only violet that is scented. It occurs both as a purple and white flower. Heart shaped leaves form a rossette at the base and the long stalked flowers arise from this. It has hairy/downy stalks and spreading, rooting runners. It flowers from March to May. Picture taken near Stagsden, Bedfordshire -1st April 2006. Picture taken near Stagsden, Bedfordshire -1st April 2006.