Calendula
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{{Taxobox | color = lightgreen | name = Calendula | image = Calendula officinalis.jpg | image_width = 250px | image_caption = Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) | regnum = Plantae | divisio = Magnoliophyta | classis = Magnoliopsida | ordo = Asterales | familia = Asteraceae | tribus = Calenduleae | genus = Calendula | genus_authority = L. | subdivision_ranks = Species | subdivision = See text }}
Calendula (marigold) is a genus of about 12-20 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to Mexico and Central America, the Mediterranean region and Macaronesia. For other plants also named 'marigold', see marigold.
The leaves of this plant are 5-18 cm long, simple, and usually roughly hairy. The flower heads range from pale yellow to deep orange, and are 3-7 cm across, with both ray florets and disc florets. The leaves and petals of the Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis) are edible, with the petals added to dishes as a garnish and in lieu of saffron. The leaves can be sweet but are more commonly bitter, and are used as or as part of salad.
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. Use internally or topically for minor wounds that become infected easliy. Anti-microbial properties.
- 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
References
de:Ringelblume es:Calendula officinalis fi:Tarhakehäkukka fr:Calendula he:ציפורן חתול hu:Körömvirág it:Calendula ja:キンセンカ lt:Medetka nl:Tuingoudsbloem ru:Календула sq:Kalendula mjekësore sv:Ringblomma