Viola diffusa
Family: Violaceae
What it is like
UPDATE 23/08/11: This name is a synonym of Viola cerasifolia Saint-Hilaire.
Viola diffusa is a ANNUAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is in flower from March to May, and the seeds ripen from May to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Wasted slopes, stream edges, sparse forests and roadsides where they are damp and shady.
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra. The flowers of this species are usually purplish or yellowish - some caution is advised if the plant has yellow flowers since these can cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities. A tea can be made from the leaves.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 2
Blood tonic, depurative. Aids tissue regeneration. The whole plant is used in the treatment of abscesses, aplastic anaemia, boils, cough, fever, gas, leukaemia, mastitis and mumps.
Blood tonic: Is this any different to a blood purifier?
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Other
Rating:
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a cool moist well-drained humus-rich soil in partial or dappled shade and protection from scorching winds. Tolerates sandstone and limestone soils but becomes chlorotic if the pH is too high. Prefers a pH between 6 and 6.5. All members of this genus have more or less edible leaves and flower buds, though those species with yellow flowers can cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Division in the autumn or just after flowering. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, though we have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist