The Encyclopedia of Roses: From Botany to Culture The rose is not just a flower. It is a phenomenon. No other plant has such a rich history, is imbued with so many myths, and occupies such a central place in culture, art, and economics. From wild rose hips to exquisite varieties, from ancient mysteries to modern genetic experiments, the rose remains the queen. This encyclopedia is an attempt to gather together all the most important information about roses: botany, history, symbolism, horticulture, perfumery, and even literature.Botanical Portrait Rose (lat. Rósa) — a genus of Rosaceae family. Comprises from 300 to 500 species and tens of thousands of varieties. Main characteristics: deciduous shrubs (rarely evergreen), stems with thorns (not spines, but epidermal outgrowths), imparipinnate leaves (usually 5-7 leaflets). Flowers — from 2 to 15 cm in diameter, with numerous stamens and pistils. Color: almost all colors except pure blue and black (achieved through selection). Fruits — false berries (rose hips), rich in vitamin C. Wild roses (rose hips) are widespread in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. Cultivated roses mainly come from several species: Rosa gallica, Rosa damascena, Rosa centifolia, Rosa chinensis, and others.History of Cultivation Roses have accompanied humans for no less than 5000 years. The first evidence of cultivation is in Ancient China (Zhou period) and Persia. From Persia, the rose spread to Greece, then to Rome, where it became a symbol of luxury and sensuality. In the Middle Ages, roses were grown in monasteries (as medicinal plants and for decorating altars). The Crusades brought new varieties to Europe (Damask rose). In the 15th century, the War of the Roses in England made the rose a political symbol. The 19th century was the "golden age" of roses: breeders (Jean-Baptiste Guillemin, David Austin) bred thousands of new varieties, including tea hybrids. In the 20th century, genetics joined selection, and in the 21st century, bi ... Read more