SC - olives

[LrdRas@aol.com]

In a message dated 3/29/00 2:47:11 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
lilinah at earthlink.net writes:

<< I think so. I'm no botanist, but I try to learn at least a little 
 about what's around me. Flowers more cup shaped (where violets are 
 relatively flat) and pointed petals (where violets are rounded). I 
 think periwinkle has medicinal purposes, yes?
 
 Anahita, >>

What size/shape are the leaves? Does it have a woody stem? Does it creep 
along the ground in a large mass or show up here and there in small clumps? 
'Lawn violets' have heart shaped leaves and fleshy stems. They resemble small 
violas, pansies and Johnny jump ups. Leaves, stems, flowers and the root 
nodules can all be eaten safely and, make nice additions to salads or, in the 
case of the leaves and stems, a good addition to the greens pot.

Periwinkle, OTOH, is a low growing woody plant used as ground covering. With 
a leaf that is more reminiscent of a shrub. Periwinkle is used medicinally to 
make a very powerful cancer treatment drug and should never be eaten.

Ras