Roses are flowering perennials of the genus Rosa.  There are more than 100 different speciaes of roses, and countless subspecies and cultivars.  Roses are prized all over the world for their beauty and scent, and are by far the most-sold cut flower worldwide.  Most species of rose are native to Asia, with a few native to Europe, North America and northwest Africa.  

Roses have been known and treasured since ancient times as symbols of love and beauty.  In ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt, they were associated with goddesses of love, and have been given as romantic gifts throughout history. 

An aromatic oil made by steam-distilling rose petals, known as Attar of Rose, has been used as an element in perfumes for centuries.  Rosewater, made by diluting this oil, was used extensively for cosmetic purposes and to flavor sweets in the middle ages, and is still widely used in Middle Eastern and South- and Central Asian cooking.