



Violet (Viola odorata), also called Sweet Violet, grows in Mediterranean regions and Asia Minor. Its delicate purple, white, or variegated flowers appear early in the spring, even before the trees grow leaves. Violet is well known for its sweet floral scent, but also for its wide variety of therapeutic properties: It helps fight colds, asthma, rheumatic pains and a range of infections (including syphilis). Violet was the symbol of ancient Athens and was one of Napoleon Bonaparte's favorite flowers. In the 19th century, violet-based perfumes were very popular.
The scent of violet leaves is different from the scent of the flowers. The leaves give off an intensively green aroma which resembles mowed grass combined with a hint of cucumber. In the South of France two kinds of violets are cultivated mainly for their leaves—Parma and Victoria. The fresh scent of violet leaves is an integral component in many fragrance compositions, ranging from fresh floral to oriental spicy and fougere fragrances. The aromas of violet leaf are, for example, part of the compositions of L by Gwen Stefani, Dior's Fahrenheit, Annick Goutal's La Violette and Donna Karan's Be Delicious. In Be Delicious the fresh, green note of violet leaves with the characteristic cucumber nuance is quite intensive and plays an important part in the "construction" of the green apple scent.

The natural scent of iris is not too intense, and it is reminiscent of violet, which is where the name comes from. The "false" violet root, or rather iris root, is a component in many fragrances. It oozes a woody-floral aroma and, at the same time, it is a very good fixative. It can be found in Pleasures for Men and Boss Woman.
Photos by cygnus921, Khaz, dolorix, --Tico--, lemurdillo






















































































































































Popular brands and perfumes: