Cultivated chamomile - Matricaria chamomilla

Agricultural chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an annual herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, characterized by its aromatic scent and white and yellow flowers. It grows in temperate and semi-arid regions, fields, agricultural lands, and open areas.



General Description



It grows as an upright, branching herbaceous plant, and usually reaches a height of about 15–60 cm. Its stems are green, thin, and branching, and the plant has a distinct aromatic scent when the leaves or flowers are rubbed.



Papers



Its leaves are green, alternate, and divided into numerous fine, thread-like lobes, giving them a soft, feathery appearance. The lower leaves are longer and wider, while the upper leaves become smaller and more delicate.



flowers



It produces flower heads bearing white ray florets surrounding a yellow central disc. A key characteristic is that the central disc becomes conical and hollow upon maturity, while the white ray florets droop downwards. The flowers have a strong, fragrant aroma and attract bees, insects, and pollinators.



Fruits and seeds



It produces small, dry, drupe-type fruits, yellowish-brown to brown in color, which are small and almost hairless, and ripen after the flower heads have dried up, helping the plant to reproduce and spread.



Endurance and suitability



It thrives in well-drained soil, preferring sunny locations and moderate humidity during its growing season, and can tolerate periods of drought once fully grown. Its annual life cycle ensures it completes growth, flowering, and seed production during the appropriate season.



Uses



It is one of the most popular traditional aromatic and medicinal plants, and its dried flower heads are widely used in the preparation of chamomile tea and herbal and aromatic preparations. It is also cultivated for commercial and agricultural purposes, and its flowers provide a food source for insects and pollinators.



natural spread



Matricaria chamomilla is naturally found in Europe, North Africa, and West and Central Asia, and has been spread and cultivated in many areas around the world. It grows in fields, pastures, roadsides, farmland, and open areas.



Preservation status



Matricaria chamomilla is not a globally threatened species, and it has a wide distribution and good adaptability to different environments.