Viola diffusa
Ging.
(c) 王錦堯（Ong Jin Yao）, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by 王錦堯（Ong Jin Yao）
(c) menganation, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
(c) Jan Ho, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jan Ho
What to Eat
Edible parts: Flowers, Leaves, Leaves - tea
Young leaves and flower buds can be eaten raw or cooked. Added to soup, they thicken it in much the same way as okra. Flowers are typically purplish or yellowish — some caution is advised with yellow-flowered plants, as the flowers can cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities. The leaves can also be brewed into a tea.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
It is a tropical plant. It grows on the edges of mountain forests and by streams in valleys below 2,000 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam,
How to Identify
A herb. It grows each year from seed. It has white hairs. It has stolons or runners with a ring of leaves at the end. The leaves are 2-4 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are yellow or purple.
How to Grow
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a cool moist well-drained humus-rich soil in partial or dappled shade and protection from scorching winds. Tolerates sandstone and limestone soils but becomes chlorotic if the pH is too high. Prefers a pH between 6 and 6.5. All members of this genus have more or less edible leaves and flower buds, though those species with yellow flowers can cause diarrhoea if eaten in large quantities.
Propagation: Sow seed in autumn in a cold frame for best results, or sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame. Prick out seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle, then plant out during summer. Divide plants in autumn or just after flowering. Larger divisions can go directly into their permanent positions, but smaller divisions are best potted up and grown on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until establishing well, then planted out in summer or the following spring.
Medicinal Uses
The whole plant acts as a blood tonic and depurative, and aids tissue regeneration. It is used in the treatment of abscesses, aplastic anaemia, boils, cough, fever, gas, leukaemia, mastitis, and mumps.
Other Uses
None known
Wikipedia
A small annual growing to just 10cm tall. Flowers bloom from March to May with seeds ripening May through October. Hermaphroditic flowers are insect-pollinated. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage. Prefers mildly acidic to neutral soil and moist conditions, tolerating semi-shaded to full sun exposure.
Other Information
It is sold in local markets in China.
Notes
There are about 500 Viola species.
Names & Synonyms
Hoa-tim tranlan, Ren shen cao
References (5)
- Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 679
- A. P. de Candolle, Prodr. 1:298. 1824
- Li, D. et al, 2017, Ethnobotanical survey of herbal tea plants from the traditional markets in Chaoshan, China. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 205 (2017) 195-206
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Xu, You-Kai, et al, 2004, Wild Vegetable Resources and Market Survey in Xishuangbanna, Southwest China. Economic Botany. 58(4): 647-667.
