The Rose
Old Garden Rose (Rosa moschata)
The rose is a very beautiful and elegant plant. Roses have been enjoyed for thousands of years. Cultivating of roses dates back to at least Greek and Roman times, and many varieties are descendants from ancient garden plants in China, Persia and Turkey. While the idea of roses conjures up the form and fragrance of a dozen long-stemmed roses to many, the world of roses is indeed varied and diverse. There are over 100 species, a few of the more common ones being; gallic rose, damask rose, provence rose, china rose, musk rose, and hybrid tea rose. Some of them are so similar to botanists, they are just considered variations of the rose that they resemble. and they form a group of plants that can be erect shrubs, climbing or trailing with stems that are often armed with sharp prickles. Flowers vary in size and shape and are usually large and showy, in colours ranging from white through yellows and reds. Species, cultivars and hybrids are all widely grown for their beauty and often are fragrant. But the most common question asked by people are why do these beautiful flowers have thorns.
Roses are used and enjoyed today in a variety of fashions apart from the traditional “ornamental” plant uses. Cut flowers and floral arrangements are another popular use for roses, generating a very large commercial market. Roses are also used in perfumes and other scents. Rose hips are occasionally used as a minor source of vitamin C. They are also made into jams, jellies, and syrups on occasion and are even used in some herbal teas. Some species are used to treat stomach discomfort and are being investigated for being able to control or limit cancer growth.
"The rose is a flower of love. The world has acclaimed it for centuries. Pink roses are for love hopeful and expectant. White roses are for love dead or forsaken, but the red roses are for love triumphant." - Mark Heinrick