Worldwide there are 25 genera in the violaceae, or violet family, but only one (viola) is represented in the British Isles, with 14 species. Flowers are solitary, formed of five sepals which have appendages at the base, five stamens, a compound pistil, and five petals - two upper, two lateral and one lower, this extended below to form a spur. Leaves are alternate and stalked, with stipules at the attachment point.
