Open In App

Marigold Botanical Name

Last Updated : 16 Jan, 2024
Improve
Improve
Like Article
Like
Save
Share
Report

Tagetes is the botanical name of the marigold. Most species under this genus are native to Southern Mexico and are herbaceous plants. The most widely grown species within this genus are the African and French marigolds. The scientific name for the common marigold is Tagetes erecta. In India, marigolds are known as “Genda” phool and are a symbol of joy, prosperity, and tradition. Certain marigold species are planted next to economically valuable crops like tobacco, potatoes, and tomatoes because they repel pests like insects.

Marigold Botanical Name

The generic and standard English name for the plant that falls under the genus Tagetes is Marigold. This genus includes both annual and perennial plants. Various species of this genus are herbaceous plants. These marigold species are distributed all around the world whereas some of them are described as invasive species. The aster family (Asteraceae) includes the genus Tagetes, which includes over 50 species of annual herbs that are endemic to South America, tropical America, and southwest North America. The term “marigold” also describes other plants from various families as well as the pot marigold (genus Calendula). The common name of Marigold is Calendula officinalis. It is also called a Scotch marigold or pot marigold.

Also Read: Morphology of Flowering Plants

Taxonomy of Marigold

The classification of Marigold is as follows:

Kingdom

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class

Magnoliopsida

Subclass

Asteridae

Order

Asterales

Family

Asteraceae

Tribe

Calenduleae

Genus

Calendula

Species

C. officinalis

Nomenclature of Tagetes

The name Tagetes is derived from the Etruscan Tages’ name, born from the earth’s plowing. It likely refers to the ease with which plants of this genus come out every year either by the stems which regrow from the stump already in place or by the seeds produced in the previous year. The common name Marigold in English comes from Mary’s gold, a name originally given to the same native European plant, Calendula officinalis.

The most varied and widely grown Tagetes cultivars are known by different names, such as French marigolds (often referred to as cultivars and hybrids of Tagetes patula, of which many were developed in France) or African marigolds (often referred to as hybrids and cultivars of Tagetes erecta). The hybrids that are mostly descended from Tagetes Tenuifolia are known as signet marigolds.

Common Name of Marigold

The common names of the different species of marigold are:

  1. African marigold
  2. French marigold
  3. Pot marigold
  4. Signet marigold

Origins and Chronicles

Native to Mexico, marigold is found across Central and South America. In the early sixteenth century, it originated in Mexico and spread to many parts of the world. Tage is the name later given to Tages, a legendary figure renowned for his majesty. African Marigold was introduced to Spain early in the fifteenth century and quickly rose to fame in the region’s southern regions. A different well-known kind of marigold, the French marigold (T. patula), originated in Mexico and travelled a similar path to the African variety.

Importance to Culture

Marigolds are important in many cultures, including Indian and Mexican cultures. In Indian culture, marigolds are used in religious ceremonies, weddings, and festivals. They are associated with the sun god and are considered auspicious.

Tagetes Lucida

Mexican medicinal and Swedish teas flavored with anise are made from Tagetes Lucida species, also known as pericón. Aside from that, it’s available in nurseries under the names “Texas tarragon” and “Mexican mint Marigold,” and used in cooking and as a substitute for tarragon in various warm areas.

Tagetes Minuta

Native to southern South America, Tagetes Minuta is a tall, erect marigold plant with small blooms that is used as a culinary herb in Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, and Peru. The Incan name for this plant is Huacatay.

Uses and Nutrient Content

Marigold is grown as a source of colour for chicken feed as well as a beautiful yield for free flowers. Blossoms are either given away or sold in the market after being made into festoons.

It can also be used as cut flower in addition to free flower. Because of its changeable flower colour and height, marigold is used mostly for aesthetic purposes and also in scene planning. As a sheet material plant with herbaceous line and foliage, it makes perfect sense. French marigold is excellent for window boxes, hanging crates, edging, and rockeries.

Area and Dispersal

Generally speaking, development will be observed close to large cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Mysore, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata. In India, the estimated area covered by flowers is 1,10,000 hectares. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra are important developing states. Traditional flowers, such as marigolds, account for over 66% of this area. Limited-scope ranchers in Himachal Pradesh, northern India, are growing marigold and other flower harvests for wreaths and decoration.

Other Species of Marigold

There are many other species of marigold classified to date. These are as follows:

  • Tagetes lucida
  • Tagetes minuta
  • Tagetes elongata
  • Tagetes subvillosa
  • Tagetes tenuifolia

Also Read:

FAQs – Marigold Botanical Name

What is the Botanical Name of Marigold?

The botanical name of Marigold is Tagetes, a genus which encompasses many other species.

What is the Botanical Classification of Tagetes Marigolds?

Tagetes marigolds belong to the genus Tagetes and are classified under the Asteraceae family; their botanical classification includes species such as Tagetes erecta (African marigold) and Tagetes patula (French marigold)

What is the Family of Marigold?

Marigold, (genus Tagetes), genus of about 50 species of annual herbs of the aster family (Asteraceae), native to southwestern North America, tropical America, and South America.

What is the Scientific Name of Marigold in India?

Scientific name of marigold India is Calendula officinalis. Marigolds belong to the Asteraceae family, which was previously known as Compositae.

What is the Phylum of Marigold?

The phylum of marigold is Magnoliophyta. Marigold has around 50 species, including T. erecta, T. patula, and T. tenuifolia.



Like Article
Suggest improvement
Previous
Next
Share your thoughts in the comments

Similar Reads