Rose History
Botany is the branch of biology that deals with plants. It involves the study of the structure and properties of plant life, including flowers and trees. Also included are plant classification and the study of the interactions of plants with their physical environment. Botany traces back to the ancient Greco-Roman world but received its modern impetus in the 16th century. Not until the 18th century did we have the rules of nomenclature that we follow today, that being binomial nomenclature- i.e. the naming of each species by two words, of which the first is the name of the genus to which it belongs and the second is a qualifying word.
Flower biology, allows us to get acquainted with many of the common characteristics of a flower such as: where they are grown, seasonality, blooming characteristics, fragrances, the personality, as well as any nutritional and medicinal values they might offer.
Roses are native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Most rose species are native to Asia, with smaller numbers being native to North America and a few to Europe and northwest Africa. Roses from different regions of the world hybridize readily. Of more than 100 species of roses, fewer than 10 species were involved in the cross breeding that ultimately produced today’s many typed of garden roses.
Roses are available year-round with high demand periods at Valentines Day and Mother’s Day. Many of today’s commercially grown roses are produced in South America due to the nature of the climate. Long days of sun and temperate nights allow for an ideal growing condition. Although there are still roses being grown in North America, most production has given way to off-shore growing due to the high costs of heating and cooling greenhouses.
Roses, belonging to the genus Rosa, are often considered to be one of natures ‘most fragrant flower’. However, due to hybridizing, flower fragrances go from having no fragrance to tea-like, spicy, musky, fruity, or citrus. The oils produced by compressing the petals, are a valuable ingredient of fine perfumes and liqueurs. They are also used in flavoring lozenges and scenting ointments and toiletry preparations.
Some fresh rose petals are edible and are used as edible garnish on salads and fruit trays. They are also used in jellies, vinegars, honey, syrups, and sorbets.
Medicinally, rose petals have been found beneficial for cooling circulating blood and useful in treating depression.
Roses in the cut stage can be expected to be enjoyed anywhere from 4 to 16 days depending on post-harvest care. With roses being such a popular flower choice for Valentine’s Day gift giving, check with your Account Manager or visit the Florabundance website today for the best selection available.
