Japanese violet

Viola japonica

Physical Characteristics

Viola japonica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from April to April. 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.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Edible Uses: Tea Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked[105]. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra[85, 159]. Root - cooked. Mucilaginous[105]. Rich in starch, it is eaten in soups[177]. A tea can be made from the leaves[85].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antiphlogistic Depurative The whole plant is anodyne, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic and depurative[147, 176]. A decoction is used in the treatment of abscesses, boils, acute conjunctivitis, hepatitis, acute jaundice, laryngitis and ulcers[147, 176, 218].

Known Hazards

None known