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The different species grouped under the family, Rosaceae and genus Rosa are the rose flowers. A variety of color shades from yellow to red can be found in rose flowers. Out of the total 100 species, most belong to Asia and a few of them originate in Europe. Just not the shades of flowers, the size of rose plants too vary greatly. There are miniature as well as climber varieties of rose. The word rose, originates from Latin word, rosa. Let us obtain some useful and interesting facts about rose flower through this article.

In the year 1986, rose flower was declared as the national flower of USA. Petals and hips of the rose flowers hold great importance in the preparation of medicines. Rose hip is the fruit of this flowering plant. It contains lots of nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K. The other nutrients contained in rose hips include pectin, bioflavonoids and beta-carotene. The antioxidants present in the fruit help strengthen the immune system.

In many ways, the rose flower is different from that of a standard bloom. The rose flower possesses several ovaries as opposed to the single one of standard blooms. Ovaries are positioned in a cup-like structure called hypanthium. Leaves of the rose plants are borne alternately on stems. These 5-15 cm long leaves possess a serrate margin. The petals of rose flowers are typically five in number. However, the hybrid ones have a greater number of petals. With the male and female reproductive parts present in the same flower, it is amongst the perfect flowers.

Sepals and Petals: The sepals and petals are actually the modified leaves of rose flowers. The protective leaves which wrap the buds of rose flowers are known as sepals. As development of the flower takes place, petals begin to unfurl. This process leads to sepals turning backwards. The color and fragrance of petals help in attracting pollinating insects.

Stamens: The stamen is formed of male reproductive parts. Filaments which constitute the stamen have anthers at their tips. Pollen grains are present inside these anthers. Pollen grains of rose flowers are yellow in color.

Pistils: Female reproductive part of the flower is known as pistil. A long stalk (style) and stigma that is present at the tip are parts of pistils. The stigma is characterized by sticky parts where pollen grains get collected. The style is a hollow tube and ovaries are present at its bottom.

Hypanthium: The bulbous and green colored basal part of rose flower is known as hypanthium. This part of the flower is formed by the fusion of petals, sepals and stamens. A flat disk shaped structure present on top of hypanthium is the base of stamen.

Let us have a look at a few more rose facts mentioned in the following points.

Cultivation of roses first took place in China around 2,000 years ago. Later on, the cultivation of this flower began in India, Middle East, Persia and Europe. The activity of pruning roses is important in the process of cultivating them.

Making perfumes with roses is one of the important industries in today's times. The rose oil (Attar) used in making perfumes is prepared by crushing and steam distilling the rose petals.

From ancient times, the rose flower has been associated with the attributes of beauty and love.

The rose flower has been associated with mythologies, superstitions and legends. This flower is said to symbolize silence. There is a superstition that rose flowers if thrown in fire bring good luck.