Calendula is a common herbaceous plant

Alternative names of calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, golden calendula, everlasting chrysanthemum, sobering flower, perpetual spring flower, and golden cup, is a plant of the genus Calendula in the Asteraceae family. It originated in southern Europe and is an improved variety of the small wild calendula.

Morphological characteristics of calendula

Calendula is a biennial herb in the Asteraceae family. The whole plant is covered with hairs. The leaves are alternate and oblong. The flower heads are solitary, with a flower diameter of about 5 cm, and colors include yellow, orange, orange-red, white, etc. There are also cultivated varieties with double petals, rolled petals, green centers, deep purple flower centers, and so on. Different varieties of calendula also differ in their morphological characteristics.

The flower language of calendula

Calendula has another alternative name, called "the housewife's clock." Because this plant opens its flowers at a certain time in the morning and then closes them at a certain time in the evening, it is a rather punctual flower. Therefore, its flower language is "meticulous."

People born under the blessing of this flower have a rigorous and meticulous personality. However, an overly rigid personality can make it impossible to tolerate the fault of a friend of the opposite sex being late for a date, so romances mostly cannot last long.

Complete collection of calendula varieties

Common varieties of calendula include BonBon, with a plant height of 30 cm, compact flowers, a flower diameter of 5 to 7 cm, and flower colors such as yellow, apricot yellow, and orange.

FiestaGitana, with a plant height of 25 to 30 cm, an early-flowering variety, double flowers, a flower diameter of 5 cm, and flower colors such as yellow, orange, and bicolor.

The Kablouna series, with a plant height of 50 cm, a large-flowered variety, with flower colors such as golden yellow, orange, lemon yellow, and apricot yellow, and dark flower centers. Among them, the new variety from 1998, KablounaLemonCream, has cream-colored ligulate flowers and a lemon-yellow flower center.

TouchofRed, with a plant height of 40 to 45 cm, double flowers, a flower diameter of 6 cm, and flower colors including red, yellow, and red/yellow bicolor, with the tip of each ligulate flower being red. The Gem series, with a plant height of 30 cm, double flowers, a flower diameter of 6 to 7 cm, and flower colors including lemon yellow and golden yellow. Among them, DwarfGem is even more famous.

In addition, there is Holy Day Guitar, an extremely dwarf variety, with large double flowers and a flower diameter of 8 to 10 cm. Xiangrui, an extremely dwarf variety, with strong branching, large double flowers, and a flower diameter of 7 to 8 cm.

There are also LemonQueen and OrangeKing, among others.

Effects and benefits of calendula

Ornamental effect: The calendula plant is dwarf, with dense flowers and dazzling colors, and it also has a long flowering period, making it the most common herbaceous flower in early spring gardens and cities. Calendula has a very strong resistance to sulfur dioxide and also has a certain resistance to cyanide and hydrogen sulfide. It is an excellent pollution-resistant flower and also the main material for spring flower beds. Calendula can be used as cut flowers and potted plants.

Skincare effect: Calendula has an extremely strong healing ability, sterilizes and tightens wounds, treats inflammation, acne, and enlarged pores, and prevents the formation of scars; it soothes the skin and improves sensitive skin. It has the effect of repairing scars; it moisturizes dry lips and promotes skin metabolism. Especially for dry skin, it has a high moisturizing effect.

Medicinal and edible value: Calendula is rich in a variety of vitamins, especially vitamin A and vitamin C; almost all parts can be eaten; its petals have a beauty function. The flowers contain carotenoids, lycopene, violaxanthin, rubixanthin, volatile oil, resin, mucilage, malic acid, and so on. The roots contain bitter substances and arnidiol; the seeds contain glycerides, wax alcohol, and alkaloids. Adding it to shampoo can lighten hair color.

Calendula is mild and bland in nature and flavor, and its flowers and leaves have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. The roots can promote the movement of qi and invigorate blood, and the flowers can cool the blood and stop bleeding. In European folk medicine, it is used externally for various inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes, and can also be taken internally to treat various inflammations and ulcers.