The genus Rosa: An aristocrat from the plant family with class, color and fragrance

 

S. K. Basu¹; P. Zandi^2*, W. Cetzal-Ix ³ and R. Sengupta⁴

¹UFL, Lethbridge, AB, Canada; ²IA University; Takestan, Iran; ³CICY, Mérida, Yucatán, México; ⁴WB State University, WB, India *email: [email protected]          

The Rosales includes 9 families and about 6300 species; the monophyly of this order is supported by molecular phylogenetic analyzes and characterized morphologically by a reduction or lack of endosperm and the presence (Rosaceae, Rhamnaceae, and some Ulmaceae) or absence (Cannabaceae, Urticaceae, and Moraceae) of a hypanthium. However, phylogenetic relationships within order are still not well resolved, but the principal families recognized are Rosaceae, Rhamnaceae, Ulmaceae, Cannabaceae, Urticaceae, and Moraceae. The family Rosaceae includes 90 genera and ca. 3000 species agrouped into three subfamilies: Rosoideae (28 genera/1200-1900 species), Dryadoideae (4/31), and Spiraeoideae (57/1350). This Family is cosmopolitan and most abundant in the Northern hemisphere with showy species such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, almonds, apricots, firethorns, meadowsweets, hawthorns, etc. The genus Rosa L. (Roses) are perennial, dicotyledonous plants belonging to the sub-family Rosoideae. In Rosa 435 taxa are recognized, 308 species, 13 subspecies, 28 varieties, 17 forms, and 71 natural hybrids (Fig 1).

 

 

Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Subfamily: Rosoideae
Genus: Rosa L.

 

 

Plant habit varies between dwarf bushes to climbers and vines to semi woody shrubs with stems characterized by sharp woody thorns or prickles. The prickles are green when immature but become, brown to black, hard woody on maturity, and turns white on dead branches or stems. Leaves pinnately compound, leaf margins serrated, leaflets ovoid, phyllotaxy opposite. Both accessory whorls present and mostly pentamerous, calyx alternate with petals, 5 bracteoles opposite petals, stamens and styles numerous, Fruits mostly red colored, aggregate (berry-like structures) commonly referred to as a rose hips. Mostly noted on wild species are not found in the domesticated species. Rose hips are rich in different pigments, carbohydrates and vitamins, citric acid, pectin, and flavonoids. Large flowers, bright coloration and fragrance makes this species a desirable ornamental plant actively used in the decoration of gardens, parks, lawns, boulevards, slopes and basins and as bordering hedges. The species is known for draught resistance and winter hardiness and prefers neutral, loamy and partly leached soil profile, less irrigation and bright sunny days

Fig 1. Ornamental plants of Rosa L. [Photo credit: W. Cetzal-Ix]

 

 

 

 

 

Fig 2.  Different global cultivars of Rosa L. (Rosaceae).  [Photo credits: R Sengupta & S. K. Basu]

Roses are native to Asia, with some species reported to be native from the continents of Europe, North America, and northwestern Africa. Roses cultivated across the planet for commercial purposes are either local and native species or cultivars and hybrids. Most species of roses undergoes hybridization quite easily and hence has been successful in generating wide varieties of clones, hybrids, mutants and genotypes producing a beautiful spectrum of different colored petals and wide ranges of fragrances. Roses are known to be cultivated in ancient China and then spread to the Indian subcontinent and to the empire of Persia most possibly for its fragrance and color; and then slowly to the Middle East and finally into the continent of Europe most possibly through the Arab traders. Historic accounts refer to the fact that roses became extremely popular among the ancient Romans and also among Roman aristocratic families and the royal court due to its beauty, fragrance and several pharmaceutical properties. Rose is the national flower of the United States of America, the United Kingdom and the Maldives. Different cultivars of Rosa sp  are presented in Fig 2.

 

Rosa is one of major economically important genera of ornamental horticulture; also of nutritionally important for the edible temperate fruits, as well as for its medicinal or nutraceuticals uses. Several economically important species of the Rosa are summarized in Table 1.

 

The economical importance of Rose oil

 

Rose oils constitute different ingredients like 2-phenylethanol, citronellol, ingredient geraniol, nerol, stearopten waxes etc. Rose oil is used as perfume in the production of soap and cosmetics and as flavor in liquors and tea. Being mildly antimicrobial and rich in fragrance, it is used in lotions, soaps and creams. It is also used in the traditional treatment of exhaustion and fatigue, anemia, asthma, liver dysfunctions and some gastrointestinal problems and due to positive impact on the nervous system activity; it is also used as a relaxing, toning and cooling agent.

 

 

Table 1. Different species of rose and their color, habit, distribution, constituents and uses (based on USDA 2014).

 

 

Table 1. continued.

 

 

 

Table 1. continued.

Based on USDA, 2014

 

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