Fragaria

views updated

Fragaria (strawberry; family Rosaceae) A genus of perennial, stoloniferous (see STOLON) herbs in which the leaves are borne in basal rosettes, each leaf with 3 toothed leaflets. The flowers have a pentamerous epicalyx. The receptacle becomes enlarged, juicy, and brightly coloured in the fruit, with the tiny achenes on its surface. It is much cultivated for its delicious fruits. There are about 12 species, found in northern temperate and tropical regions, and in Chile.