Rose is an exotic flower which has remained a symbol of love, passions and beauty since many centuries. Rose is considered as “King of the Flowers” and the Red Rose is particularly known as “Flower of Love”. Would you believe that the oldest fossils of the Rose have been found in Colorado, dating back to more than 35 million years ago. Today, there are more than 100 species of Rose which range from white, red , pink to many other showy and bright colors. Rose is endemic to Asia and it is thought to be cultivated firstly in Persia. Rose has attained remarkable significance in the ancient cultures and civilizations. Roses were very sacred in the ancient Egypt  and were used as offerings for the Goddess Isis. According to Confucius there were tremendous literature available in the Imperial Chinese library about Roses.

Today Rose is a universal ornamental plant which is grown almost everywhere on the planet earth. Netherlands is the largest exporter of the Rose flower in the world. Rose is specially known  as a commercial perfumery and commercial cut flower crop. Roses are not only grown as landscape plants and for hedging but they are also useful for many medicines and food items. Roses are favorite flower for the purpose of gifting across the world. There is a long debate about the original sub species of the Rose family, however according to an estimate, there are 100-130 genuine rose species existing in the world. Following are some of the splendid Rose species ;

Wild Rose or Prickly Rose : Rosa Acicularis:

Rosa acicularis is commonly known as Prickly Rose ( Image : Lynette Schimming )

Rosa Arkansana or Prairie Rose:

Rosa Arkansana is known as Prairie Rose ( Image : Doug Waylett )

Rosa Bracteatae of China

Rosa bracteatae, - China, (Trelissick, Cornwall) Image : Helge Vindenes

Rosa Persica – The Rose of Central Asia

Rosa Persica - The Rose of Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia ( Image: Sepehr Sharifzadeh )

Rosa Banksiae – Lady Banks Rose of China

Rosa Banksiae: Lady Banks Rose of China ( Image : Sigusr0 )

Rosa Gallica : The French Rose  

Rosa Gallica: The French Rose * Image : FFEEDDEE

Rosa Foetida : Persian Yellow Rose or Austrian Copper Rose

Rosa Foetida: Persian Yellow Rose / Austrian Copper Rose ( By Bumblebee )

Rosa Carolina : The Carolina Rose of USA

The Carolina Rose ( Rosa Carolina ) Image : Herman Giethoorn

Rosa Moschata : The Musk Rose of Himalayas

Rosa Moschata / Musk Rose ( Himalayas ) Image : Peter Karlsson

Rosa Kordesii

Rosa Kordesii ( Image : Peter Karlsson )

Rosa Glauca : The Redleaf Rose 

Rosa Glauca is also known as Redleaf Rose ( Image: Chrisser )

Rosa Gymnocarpa : The Wood Rose of North America

Rosa Gymnocarpa is also known as Wood Rose or Dwarf Rose ( Image: Van Swearingen )

Rosa Dumalis : Glaucous Dog Rose

Rosa Dumalis or Glaucous Dog Rose ( Image : Kari Pihlaviita )

Rosa pimpinellifolia  or Burnet Rose

Rosa Pimpinellif or Burnet Rose of Europe By Peter Orchard

Rosa Majalis : Cinnamon Rose of Siberia

Rosa Majalis: Cinnamon Rose ( By Sevrozt )

Rosa Pisocarpa:  Cluster Rose or Swamp Rose

Rosa Pisocarpa is also known as Cluster or Swamp Rose ( Image: By Arboreal Boids )

Rosa Nutkana : Nootka Rose of North America

Rosa Nutkana : Nootka Rose of North America ( Image: By Dale Hameister )

Rosa Palustris : Swamp Rose of North America

Rosa Palustris or Swamp Rose ( Image : Thomas Lamp )

Rosa Moyesii : The Shrub Rose of China

Rosa Moyesii is a shrub rose from China ( Image: Per.Aasen )