Tagetes patula

Tagetes patula, also known as the French marigold, is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family. It is native to Mexico and Guatemala, but has been naturalized throughout the world.

Description

Tagetes patula is an annual herb that grows up to 0.5 m (1.6 ft) by 0.3 m (1 ft). The plant has a strong, pungent scent and bears vibrant orange, yellow, or red flowers from July to September. The leaves of the plant are pinnate or bipinnate and are covered in glandular hairs.

Cultivation

Tagetes patula is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. It is also used in companion planting for pest control, particularly for nematodes, as the roots produce a substance that is toxic to these pests. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can be propagated by seed.

Uses

In addition to its use as an ornamental plant, Tagetes patula has several other uses. The flowers are edible and are sometimes used as a culinary herb. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it is used as a dye plant, producing a yellow-orange dye.

Taxonomy

The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The genus name, Tagetes, is derived from the name of the Etruscan god, Tages. The species name, patula, means "spreading".

See also

• Tagetes
• Marigold
• Companion planting
• Nematode