Petunia or Petunia (Latin Petunia from the French petun – tobacco) is a genus of herbaceous or semi-shrubby perennial plants of the Pasolen family (Solanaceae) from 10 cm to 1 m in height. Comes from tropical regions of South America mainly Brazil in natural conditions grows in Paraguay Bolivia Argentina and Uruguay.
According to different data there are 15 to 40 species. A number of species that were previously attributed to the genus Petunia are now referred to other genera primarily to the genus Calibrachoa Cerv. In culture since the XVIII century. Hybrids that appeared more than a hundred years ago are bred as annual garden or balcony ornamental plants usually used for pottery. Beautiful large and bright flowers with a variety of colors have made Petunia popular among florists.