Herb latin name: Viola patrinii


Synonyms: Viola patrini


Family: Violaceae (Violet Family)



Medicinal use of Viola patrinii:

This species has a long history of folk use in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. The fresh roots are mashed and used as a poultice for abscesses. The plant is suppurative for abscesses, cancer, inflammations and ulcers.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
15 cm
(6 inches)

Habitat of the herb:

Usually found under forest shade, 1900 - 2700 metres in the Himalayas.

Edible parts of Viola patrinii:

Young leaves and flower buds - raw or cooked. When added to soup they thicken it in much the same way as okra. A tea can be made from the leaves.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer. Division in the autumn or just after flowering. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, though we have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Cultivation of Viola patrinii:

Usually found under forest shade, 1900 - 2700 metres in the Himalayas.

Known hazards of Viola patrinii:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.