A rose is a woody perennial of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. Most rose species are native to Asia, a few to North America, to Europe and northwest Africa. Ancient history gives abundant proof of the esteem in which the Queen of Flowers was held. The raising of varieties from seed was well known and studied with deep interest from the earliest ages of horticulture. India, Persia, Turkey, Egypt and Spain all played a part in the ancient history of the rose. Roses medicinal properties have been recognised throughout the ages. Rosewater and Attar of Roses are valued commodities, as are some old varieties of roses that still exist today. There are approximately 13,000 identifiable varieties of roses in the classes of roses presented in this Guide.