Calendula

Taxobox
name = "Calendula"

---

image_width = 225px
image_caption = Field marigold ("Calendula arvensis")
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Asterales
familia = Asteraceae
tribus = Calenduleae
genus = "Calendula"
genus_authority = L.
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision =See text

"Calendula" ("Ca-lén-du-la", pot 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. Calendula should not be confused with other plants that are also known as marigolds, such as plants of the genus "Tagetes", corn marigolds or marsh marigolds.

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'. Marigolds typically bloom quickly (in under two months) in bright yellows, reds, and oranges throughout the summer and well into the fall.

Marigolds are considered by many gardening experts as one of the most versatile flowers to grow in a garden, especially since it is easy to grow. Seeds sown in the spring, in most soils, will germinate freely in sunny or half-sunny locations. They do best, however, if planted in sunny locations with rich, well-drained soil. 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.

Marigold petals are considered edible. They are often used to add color to salads, and marigold extract is commonly added to chicken feed to produce darker egg yolks. Their aroma, however, is not sweet, and resembles the smell of hops in beer. The oil from its seed contains calendic acid.

Medicinal effects

Calendula in suspension or in tincture is used topically to treat acne, reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding and soothing irritated tissue. [cite journal
last =
first =
authorlink = Duran V, Matic M, Jovanovć M, Mimica N, Gajinov Z, Poljacki M, Boza P.
coauthors =
title = Results of the clinical examination of an ointment with marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract in the treatment of venous leg ulcers
journal = Int J Tissue React.
volume = 27
issue = 3
pages = 101–6
date = 2005
url =
doi =
pmid = : 16372475
accessdate = ] [cite journal
last =
first =
authorlink =Pommier P, Gomez F, Sunyach MP, D'Hombres A, Carrie C, Montbarbon X.
coauthors =
title = Phase III randomized trial of Calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer
journal = J Clin Oncol.;():1447-53
volume = 22
issue = 8
pages = 1447–53
date = 2004 Apr 15
url =
doi =
pmid = : 15084618
accessdate = ]

elected species

*"Calendula arvensis" – Field Marigold
*"Calendula bicolor"
*"Calendula eckerleinii"
*"Calendula lanzae"
*"Calendula maderensis" – Madeiran Marigold
*"Calendula maritima" – Sea Marigold
*"Calendula maroccana"
*"Calendula meuselii"
*"Calendula officinalis" – Pot Marigold
*"Calendula stellata"
*"Calendula suffruticosa"
*"Calendula tripterocarpa"

References

* [http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/cgi-bin/nph-readbtree.pl/feout?FAMILY_XREF=&GENUS_XREF=Calendula&SPECIES_XREF=&TAXON_NAME_XREF=&RANK=species Flora Europaea: "Calendula"]
* [http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/genform.pl Germplasm Resources Information Network: "Calendula"]
* [http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/marigo16.html Botanical.com: "Calendula"]

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