Primula

Primula /ˈprɪmjʊlə/ is a genus of mainly herbaceousflowering plants in the family Primulaceae. They include the familiar wildflower of banks and verges, the primrose (P. vulgaris). Other common species are P. auricula (auricula), P. veris (cowslip) and P. elatior (oxlip). These species and many others are valued for their ornamental flowers. They have been extensively cultivated and hybridised - in the case of the primrose, for many hundreds of years. Primula are native to the temperate northern hemisphere, south into tropical mountains in Ethiopia, Indonesia and New Guinea, and in temperate southern South America. Almost half of the known species are from the Himalayas.

Primula has about 500 species in traditional treatments, and more if certain related genera are included within its circumscription.

Description

Primula is a complex and varied genus, with a range of habitats from alpine slopes to boggy meadows. Plants bloom mostly during the spring, with flowers often appearing in spherical umbels on stout stems arising from basal rosettes of leaves; their flowers can be purple, yellow, red, pink, blue, or white. Some species show a white mealy bloom (farina) on various parts of the plant. Many species are adapted to alpine climates.

Primula (food)

Primula is the brand name associated with a range of food products marketed by The Kavli Group. The best known range is Primula Cheese Spread.

History

Primula Cheese Spread was invented in 1924 by Norwegian Olav Kavli. Primula Cheese was the world's first spreadable cheese with a long shelf life and was named after the Primula flower. It was first introduced into the UK in 1929. Primula Cheese is sold in a squeezable tube.

Varieties

Primula cheese in tubes is supplied in varieties flavoured with several ingredients, including plain, chives, ham, and prawns. Dips are also manufactured in several flavours. They are sold in many shops in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The Primula brand is owned by the Norwegian Kavli group owned by The Kavli Trust, manufactured in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Great Britain, and sold in more than 20 countries. The Kavli Trust is a charitable organisation that donates a proportion of profits from The Kavli Group to causes such as research, cultural activities and humanitarian work.

Primula (disambiguation)

Primula is a genus of 400–500 species of low-growing herbs in the family Primulaceae.

Primula may refer to: