Rose comprises an outer fleshy layer, the hypanthium, which contains 5–160 "seeds" (technically dry single-seeded fruits called achenes) embedded in a matrix of fine, but stiff, hairs. 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. The hips are eaten by fruit-eating birds such as thrushes and waxwings, which then disperse the seeds in their droppings. Some birds, particularly finches, also eat the seeds. While the sharp objects along a rose stem are commonly called "thorns", they are technically prickles—outgrowths of
A Rose Is Still a Rose Rose" debuted at number 30 on the US "Billboard" 200 and number 7 on "Billboard"s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. This marked Franklin's highest debut position yet as well as her highest peak since 1985's "Who's Zoomin' Who?". A steady seller, the album sold 294,000 copies within its first five months of release and was eventually certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in August 1998, indicating sales in excess of more than 500,000 units. Her biggest commercial success of the 1990s, "A Rose Is Still a Rose" would remain Franklin's final album to earn a RIAA certification