Rose
A
rose is a woody perennial of the genus
Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. There are over 100 species. 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. Most species are native to Asia, with smaller numbers native to Europe, North America, and northwest Africa. Species, cultivars and hybrids are all widely grown for their beauty and often are fragrant. Rose plants range in size from compact, miniature roses, to climbers that can reach 7 meters in height. Different species hybridize easily, and this has been used in the development of the wide range of garden roses. The name
rose comes from French, itself from Latin
rosa, which was perhaps borrowed from Oscan, from Greek ρόδον
rhódon, itself borrowed from Old Persian
wrd-, related to Avestan
varəδa, Sogdian
ward, Parthian
wâr.