Rosa canina hipsThe leaves of most species are 5–15 centimetres long, pinnate, with (3–) 5–9 (–13) leaflets and basal stipules; the leaflets usually have a serrated margin, and often a few small prickles on the underside of the stem. The vast majority of roses are deciduous, but a few (particularly in Southeast Asia) are evergreen or nearly so.

The flowers of most species roses have five petals, with the exception of Rosa sericea, which usually has only four. Each petal is divided into two distinct lobes and is usually white or pink, though in a few species yellow or red. Beneath the petals are five sepals (or in the case of some Rosa sericea, four). These may be long enough to be visible when viewed from above and appear as green points alternating with the rounded petals. The ovary is inferior, developing below the petals and sepals.

The aggregate fruit of the rose is a berry-like structure called a rose hip. Rose species that produce open-faced flowers are attractive to pollinating bees and other insects, thus more apt to produce hips. Many of the domestic cultivars are so tightly petalled that they do not provide access for pollination. The hips of most species are red, but a few (e.g. Rosa pimpinellifolia) have dark purple to black hips. Each hip comprises an outer fleshy layer, the hypanthium, which contains 5–160 “seeds” (technically dry single-seeded fruits called achenes) embedded in a matrix of fine, but stiff, hairs. Rose hips of some species, especially the Dog Rose (Rosa canina) and Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa), are very rich in vitamin C, among the richest sources of any plant. The hips are eaten by fruit-eating birds such as thrushes and waxwings, which then disperse the seeds in their droppings. Some birds, particularly finches, also eat the seeds.

While the sharp objects along a rose stem are commonly called “thorns”, they are actually prickles — outgrowths of the epidermis (the outer layer of tissue of the stem). True thorns, as produced by e.g. Citrus or Pyracantha, are modified stems, which always originate at a node and which have nodes and internodes along the length of the thorn itself. Rose prickles are typically sickle-shaped hooks, which aid the rose in hanging onto other vegetation when growing over it. Some species such as Rosa rugosa and R. pimpinellifolia have densely packed straight spines, probably an adaptation to reduce browsing by animals, but also possibly an adaptation to trap wind-blown sand and so reduce erosion and protect their roots (both of these species grow naturally on coastal sand dunes). Despite the presence of prickles, roses are frequently browsed by deer. A few species of roses only have vestigial prickles that have no points.

Flowers are an important gift item in modern society. They are suitable as gifts on a variety of occasions- Birthday, Graduation Day, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, to name a few. One thing that is worth keeping in mind while presenting or receiving flowers as gifts is the meanings associated with different flowers. These meanings came to be conventionally accepted and seem to vary from culture to culture. In the western culture, there are some standard meanings associated with different flowers. The convention of associating meanings with flowers has been systematized and is now talked of as the language of flowers.

Sample flower meanings
Here are the meanings associated with some flowers. Amaryllis flowers are associated with pride, Daffodils are associated with chivalry and heather is associated with admiration. The meaning ‘passion’ associated with rose is well-known. Within the category of roses, there is a multitude of meanings associated with roses of various colors.

The right flowers for the right occasions
There are some conventions about which flowers are most suitable for which occasions. As examples, let us consider the occasions of birthday, wedding day, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day. Usually bright-colored flowers are chosen for birthdays. Seasonal flowers are considered most appropriate for a wedding day. For the Valentine’s Day, roses are supposed to be the best and for Mother’s Day, carnations thought to be most appropriate. There are other flowers that are deemed best for the number of other occasions that are celebrated.

Why use flowers
The reason for preferring flowers to convey a message rather than use words is very simple. This way, the communication of the idea becomes more beautiful and subtle. The visual effect seems to make the experience of giving and receiving gifts stick to memory in a more effective way than a mere stream of words.