Violaceae

Viola, a name used by Virgil, apparently based on Ion, from Greek mythology; the violet is the symbol of Athens. Herbs, shrubs or occasionally trees; leaves simple usually alternate. Flowers irregular, cleistogamous ones also often present; distinct calyx and corolla, 5 per whorl, free, anthers often form a cone around the style. Carpels usually 3; fruit a capsule or berry.