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Calendula
 

Calendula (marigold) is a genus of about 12-20 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to the area from Macaronesia east through the Mediterranean region to Iran. For other plants also named 'marigold', see marigold. It is also the flower of the month October.

The name Calendula stems from the Latin kalendae, meaning first day of the month, presumably because pot marigolds are in bloom at the start of most months of the year. The common name marigold probably refers to the Virgin Mary, or its old Saxon name 'ymbglidegold', which means 'it turns with the sun'.

The leaves are spirally arranged, 5-18 cm long, simple, and slightly hairy. The flower heads range from pastel yellow to deep orange, and are 3-7 cm across, with both ray florets and disc florets. They have a spicy aroma and are produced from spring to autumn in temperate climates. It is recommended to deadhead (removal of dying flower heads) the plants regularly to maintain even blossom production.

Marigolds are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Cabbage Moth, The Gothic, Large Yellow Underwing and Setaceous Hebrew Character.

The ointment of this herb is thought to cure a range of skin problems from burns to acne as it has properties that reduces inflammation, controls bleeding and soothes irritated tissue. Use internally or topically for minor wounds, eczemas and cysts as well as diaper rash and cradle cap in infants.

Selected species
  • Calendula arvensis – Field Marigold
  • Calendula bicolor
  • Calendula eckerleinii
  • Calendula lanzae
  • Calendula maderensis – Madeiran Marigold
  • Calendula maroccana
  • Calendula meuselii
  • Calendula officinalis – Pot Marigold
  • Calendula stellata
  • Calendula suffruticosa
  • Calendula tripterocarpa

Image:Calendula suffruticosa b.jpg|Calendula suffruticosa Image:Illustration Calendula officinalis0.jpg|Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) from Thomé Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz 1885

References


Asteraceae

Невен | Ringelblumen | Calendula | Calendula | ציפורן חתול | Calendula | Medetka | Goudsbloem (geslacht) | Calendula | Calendula

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Calendula".

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