The term "Rose" refers to a large number of shrub species from the family Rosaceae and the genus Rosa. There are over 100 species of wild roses, as well as several thousand varieties and hybrids which humans have created by artificial selection. All wild roses are native to regions in the northern hemisphere, but the location of each species in nature differs greatly. Some have their origin in Europe, others in China, Egypt, or the United States. Certain species of wild roses are even native to Siberia. Roses can be grown all over the world, but most roses grow best in a temperate climate.
Roses are angiosperms. They typically produce flowers once each summer. Notice this particular plant’s pink, ornate flowers. Most garden roses have been bred to produce this sort of large, showy flower, which are normally red, pink, yellow, or white in color. Most have petals which come in multiples of 5, but some have only 4 petals. After a flower is pollinated (either by self-pollination or cross-pollination), a rose hip is produced during the early fall. Rose hips are small, red, spherical or pear shaped fruits, which contain the plant’s seeds. Though not commonly eaten, rose hips are very high in vitamin C, and are sometimes used in teas or soups. Rose hips also have medicinal values, and can be used as a laxative.
All roses are dicot. Examine a leaf. This net-like pattern of veins is typical of a dicot plant. Also notice (but you probably don’t want to touch!) the plant’s array of thorns. Rose thorns are actually modified leaves, which protect the shrub from predators.
This rose has an average height. Most rose plants grow to between 2 and 5 meters in height. To reach this height, roses require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, as well as an adequate supply of water, approximately 1 inch of water per week per plant. Gardeners are also encouraged to give their rose plants a liquid fertilizer once every 3 or so weeks to maximize the plant’s growth.
The Rose has a long history of cultivation. These flowers have been cultivated for over 3000 years by many different cultures, including the ancient Romans and Egyptians, for whom the rose was a sacred symbol of beauty. Even today, roses are regarded as one of the most beautiful flowers. The rose is the most popular plant in the United States, and is grown all over the world.

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