Twoflower violet, Arctic Yellow Violet
Viola biflora
Family: Violaceae
What it is like
A herb. It grows 10-20 cm high and spreads 15-25 cm wide. It forms mounds. The leaves have shallow teeth and are faintly downy. The leaves are heart or kidney shaped. They are 30 mm long. The flowers are pale yellow with dark streaks. They are 18 mm wide.
There are about 500 Viola species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows between 2000-4000 m altitude in Uttar Pradesh. In temperate China it grows on alpine meadows and grassy slopes between 2,500-4,300 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bhutan, Bosnia, Central Asia, Europe, Himalayas, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Norway, NW India, Russia, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Slovenia, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tibet, USA
How it is used for food
The leaves and flowers are used as a substitute for tea.
Edible parts
Flowers, leaves - tea
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Dvocvjetna ljubicica, Dvocvetna vijolica, Fjellfiol, Pila banfsha, Vanfsa