Rosa damascenaMill that is one of the important species of Rosa is used for essential oil production. It is a tetraploid rose that belongs to Damask group of roses. It is generally thought that the R. damascena originated in the Neo-lithic period, in South Anatolia, as a hybridization of R. gallica and R. phoenicea. Nevertheless, the origin of R. damascena is a bone of contention throughout the world. So far, 400 volatile substances have been identified in rose oil. Besides its application in aromatic and food industries, some valuable characteristics of Damask rose oil such as anti -HIV, antibacterial and antioxidant activities have been established during last two decades. The demand of rose oil in international market is increasing, but the area of production is stagnant. Thus, there is a pressing need to extend the cultivation of R. damascena to larger area and to improve its production technology. Rosa damascena possesses vast diversity in plant habit and flower characteristics. Over all, the research publication on this crop is scarce compared to other crops. Hence, this review will provide the valuable information for further research and understanding of the crop and its value as an economical crop.