Calendula

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Calendula

Calendule also called Pot Marigold. From calendce, the first days of the months ; in reference to its flowers being produced almost every month. Nat. Ord. Composite.

There are several handsome species, some of which are shrubby and some annuals. The common Marigold, C. officinalia and its double varieties, and C. stellata, are the handsomest of the annual species.

The Cape Marigolds, C. pluvialis and C. hybrida, have been removed to a new genus, which is called Dimorphotheca. Both these species are hardy annual plants, with very elegant flowers, which close at the withdrawal of the sun ; and as they do not open at all when it is dark, or heavy clouds foretell the approach of rain.

Linnaeus called the commonest species C. pluvialis, or the Eainy Marigold. The florets of the ray of the flowers of this plant are of a pure white inside, and of a dark purple on the outside; while those of C. hybrida are of a dingy orange outside. A tincture is made from the flowers of the several varieties, that is considered highly efficacious for bruises or sprains, affording relief more quickly than arnica.