Viola Odorata

The violet is a species of viola, a small and fragile flower of Europe, Northern Africa and Asia. Harvested for centuries for its intensely odorant oil and its beautiful purple petals of Parma glow. The sweet violet symbolized fertility in Ancient Greece, while the Romans used it to season their wine. Violet petals have antiseptic qualities and its leaves appease wounds. In the town of Toulouse, in south-western France, there is a neighbourhood called “Cité des violettes”, where violet was cultivated for decades. In the language of flowers, violet denotes shyness and decency. Its scent is penetrating and enthralling.