Mountain Violet, Showy violet, Purple violet
Viola betoniciifolia
Family: Violaceae
What it is like
A small herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows to 15 cm high and spreads to 25 cm across. The stem is creeping and forms roots. The leaves form a clump. The leaves are broadly sword shaped. They are slightly toothed towards the end. They occur on long slender stems and form a rosette or ring near the base. Flowering stems are longer than the leaves. The flowers are deep purple. They have 5 petals and a short blunt spur. The side petals are softly hairy inside. There are 2 subspecies.
There are about 500 Viola species.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate regions and will grow in the subtropics. In Papua New Guinea it grows under coffee and other shade. It occurs below 2000 m altitude. It grows best on heavy, moist soils. It needs a protected partly shaded position. It is frost resistant but damaged by drought. Tasmania Herbarium. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Bhutan, Central Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Norfolk Island, Northeastern India, NW India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tasmania (country/location of origin), Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The flowers are eaten. The plant is made into soup and used as a tea substitute.
Edible parts
Leaves, flowers
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or by division of the clump. It self seeds easily.
Its other names
Local names
Banaksha, Hoa-tim nhon, Tadro, Woan kulekule