Wildflower of the valley
Yellow violet
Viola biflora
- How easy to find
- Very rare — you need to search for it — local knowledge helps
- Flower size
- Small
- Family
- Violaceae (Violet family)
- Local name
- Banfsa, Dundibirali, Vanafsa
- Type
- Perennial
- Height
- small
- Flower colour
- yellow
- Flowering
- June to August
About Yellow violet
Viola biflora is a rhizomatous perennial herb. Leaves are 1-4 cm across and orbicular or kidney shaped. Flowers are solitary, very attractive bright yellow with purplish brown streaks. The specific name Biflora refers to 2- flowered.
Where to find it
- Along the trail from Govindghat to Ghangaria
- Near the entrance of the valley
Habitat
Shady places, rock crevices in grasslands.
Uses & folklore
Leaves are used in treating cold, constipation, cough, fever. Seeds are used for treating psoriasis. In Indian system of medicine. Root is considered as emetic. The flowers are accredited with antipasmodic, diaphoretic, emollient and pectoral properties.
What the name means
Viola: classical Latin for violet; biflora means "two-flowered", for the paired blooms.
Don't confuse it with
V. pilosa (sno 105) is larger with hairy leaves; V. biflora is a tiny yellow alpine.
More photos
Viola Biflora adds a magical touch to natural parks and trails, making it a perfect find for floral explorers and photographers alike.
