Calendula

Calendula 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. 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.

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


USES
Calendula in suspension or in tincture is used topically to treat acne, reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding and soothing irritated tissue.


Selected species
Calendula maritima, known as the Sea Marigold, is a very rare species from the family of Asteraceae. This perennial plant reaches a height between 20 and 40 cm. The stems which can easily lignified on the underparts and the leaves are covered with short sticky hairs. The young stems are first erected, later they began to hang and spreads to the soil. In contrast to the Pot marigold the leaves are fleshy and have a strong smell. The form of the leaves vary from egg-shaped to linear depending on their placement on the stems. The basket-shaped blossoms have a diameter between three and five centimetres and consists of pale yellow single-standing petals. The main flowering period is from May to June. The Sea Marigold occurs also in cultivated form. Most popular is the yellow Skyfire which can be seen on patches, balconies, plantations on traffic lights, buckets, and as plant-cover for soils.

Calendula officinalis, known as Pot Marigold or English Marigold, is a plant in the Calendula genus. It was used in ancient Greek, Roman, Arabic and Indian cultures as a medicinal herb as well as a dye for fabrics, foods and cosmetics.
The leaves and petals of the Pot Marigold 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 may be used in salads.
Calendula officinalis is a cultivated herb and can be grown easily in sunny locations in most kinds of soils.
USES: Calendula officinalis is used for the treatment of skin disorders and pain, and as a bactericide, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

Calendula bicolor

Calendula maderensis – Madeiran Marigold

Calendula lanzae

Calendula stellata

Calendula arvensis – Field Marigold

Calendula suffruticosa

Calendula maroccana

Calendula meuselii

Calendula eckerleinii

Calendula tripterocarpa

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