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.
Roses are best
known as ornamental plants grown for their flowers in the garden and sometimes
indoors. They have been also used for commercial perfumery and commercial cut
flower crops. Some are used as landscape plants, for hedging and for other
utilitarian purposes such as game cover and slope stabilization. They also have
minor medicinal uses.
