CHECKLIST OF THE
CULTIVATED
FORMS OF THE GENUS VIOLA
INCLUDING THE
REGISTER OF CULTIVARS
PREFACE
It is with
understandable pride that we present to the reader and violet enthusiast this
checklist incorporating the International Register of the Cultivated Forms of
the Genus Viola.
This
monumental work has been prepared under the provisions of the International Code
of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. Such a work has never been attempted
before. Despite the popularity of members of the Genus Viola throughout
the 19th century and the first three decades of the 20th century, violets and
their botanical cousins the Pansy, viola, violetta and cornuta, have not
previously inspired researchers to put all available information in one book.
Though information abounded in the commercial market, the only portions
published were either concerned with a small number of specific varieties or
with varieties that were in vogue at a particular time. There were some notable
efforts in Europe and America to catalogue native varieties, but these works
covered few if any commercially propagated varieties, since they concentrated on
native species.
Much of the work on this project was the result of laborious research through
various libraries, books and publications, including society and growers notes.
At times the effort proved frustrating, as the growers of yesteryear were often
frugal with their records of new varieties. As an unfortunate result, we have
only been able to record the names of some historic Viola varieties. It
has, thus far, been impossible to find further information that would allow us
to trace the names of the introducer or raiser of many varieties. Often, we lack
descriptions for these varieties as well. It is hoped that as time goes on, more
of this information will come to light and some of the missing blanks can be
filled in.
The purpose of this Checklist / Register is to record all of the known cultivar
names within the Genus Viola so that a lasting record will be available
in the future. This will ensure that the names and, where available, the
description of the various cultivars are preserved for future reference by
violet enthusiasts, growers and members of the horticultural community in
general.
Unfortunately, as the International
Cultivar Registration Authority for Viola, I do not conduct trials of
cultivars. Neither do my duties permit me to judge if one cultivar or
cultivar-group is better than another. And, I cannot judge the
distinctness of cultivars or cultivar-groups. This is done by other
organisations whom I am in contact with and with whom, I will liaise for the
purpose of registering new cultivars and their descriptions, as long as they
comply with the terms of the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated
Plants.