Viola

downy violet

viola, (genus Viola), genus of about 500 species of herbs or low shrubs in the family Violaceae, including the small solid-coloured violets and the larger-flowered, often multicoloured violas and pansies. Members of the genus Viola occur naturally worldwide but are found most abundantly in temperate climates, the greatest variety occurring in the Andes Mountains of South America. Many are cultivated for their attractive flowers.