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, 13:31, 4 August 2007
{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Calendula''
| image = Calendula officinalis.jpg
| image_width = 225px
| image_caption = Pot Marigold (''Calendula officinalis'')
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Asterales]]
| familia = [[Asteraceae]]
| tribus = Calenduleae
| genus = '''''Calendula'''''
| genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision =
See text
}}
'''''Calendula''''' ('''pot marigold''') is a genus of about 12-20 species of [[Annual plant|annual]] or [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[herbaceous]] [[plant]]s 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'. 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 [[Leaf|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 [[larva]]e of some [[Lepidoptera]] species including [[Cabbage Moth]], [[Gothic (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 vulgaris|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. Also, when planted near tomato plants in the garden, Marigolds help to reduce the presence of aphids.
Marigold petals are considered [[edible flowers|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]].
;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==
*[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'']
<gallery>
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
</gallery>
[[Category:Asteraceae]]
[[Category:Garden plants]]
[[Category:Flowers]]