Violaceae

plant family

Also known as: violet family

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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The Violaceae family, commonly known as the violet family, encompasses about 800 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees, with the greatest diversity found in tropical and warm temperate regions. The genus Viola is particularly well-known, featuring around 500 species that include violets, violas, and pansies. These plants are recognized for their attractive, typically five-petaled flowers, which are variable in color but not red.12

Many species within Violaceae are cultivated for ornamental purposes, such as the popular garden pansy (Viola × wittrockiana) and sweet violets (Viola odorata). While some parts of Viola odorata are poisonous, its essential oil is used in fragrances. The family is characterized by stipulate, toothed leaves and flowers with a distinctive nectary spur formed by the lower petal.21

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Malpighiales
Violaceae
Violaceae, or the violet family, contains 23 genera and 800 species of herbs to trees with a few vines. The family is largely tropical to warm temperate, although there are relatively few species in Malesia and Australia. Viola (400–600 species) is largely herbaceous and…
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Violaceae, or the violet family, contains 23 genera and 800 species of herbs to trees with a few vines. The family is largely tropical to warm temperate, although there are relatively few species in Malesia and Australia. Viola (400–600 species) is largely herbaceous and…
Read More