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A rose is a flowering shrub of the genus Rosa, and the flower of this shrub. There are more than a hundred species
of wild roses, all from the northern hemisphere and mostly from temperate regions. The species form a group of
generally prickly shrubs or climbers, and sometimes trailing plants, reaching 2–5 m tall, rarely reaching as high
as 20 m by climbing over other plants.
The aggregate fruit of the rose is a berry-like structure called a rose hip. 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.
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.
Rose hips also contain vitamins A, D and E, and antioxidant flavonoids.
As an herbal remedy, rose hips are attributed with the ability to prevent urinary bladder infections, and assist
in treating dizziness and headaches.
Rosehip seed oil is believed to be the best available for skin rejuvenation and anti-aging. Indeed, it is a rich
source of Vitamin A that assists with cell regeneration, delays effects of aging skin, and promotes collagen levels.
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