| Tagetes lucida | |
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| Botanischer Garten Erlangen,Germany | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Tagetes |
| Species: | T. lucida |
| Binomial name | |
| Tagetes lucida | |
| Synonyms[1][2] | |
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Tagetes lucida is a perennial plant native toMexico andCentral America. It is used as a medicinal plant and as a culinaryherb. The leaves have a tarragon-like scent, with hints ofanise, and it has entered the nursery trade in North America as atarragon substitute. Common names includesweetscented marigold,[3]Mexican marigold,Mexican mint marigold,Mexican tarragon,sweet mace,Texas tarragon,pericón,yerbaniz, andhierbanís.
Tagetes lucida grows 45–75 cm (18–30 in) tall and requires full sun to light shade.[4] Depending on the variety or landrace, the plant may be fairly upright, while other forms appear bushy with many unbranching stems. The leaves are linear to oblong, about 7.5 cm (3 in) long, and shiny medium green, not blue-green as in French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var.sativa). In late summer it bears clusters of small golden yellow flower heads on the ends of the stems. Theflower heads are about 15 mm (1⁄2 in) across and have 3–5 golden-yellowray florets.[5] The flowers are hermaphroditic (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects.[6]
Tagetes lucida was used by theAztecs in a ritualincense known as Yauhtli, as well as being dedicated to the rain godTlāloc.[7][8] Tagetes lucida is still in use today primarily as a tea to treat the common cold, intestinal gas and diarrhea.[9]
It has been reported that theHuichol of Mexico use the plant as anentheogen by smokingTagetes lucida withNicotiana rustica, and thatTagetes lucida is occasionally smoked alone as an hallucinogen.[10] Archaeologists found that theMaya usedTagetes lucida as an additive in tobacco mixtures.[11][12]
Tagetes lucida also had many culinary uses by the Aztecs including as one of the ingredients added to make the drink chocolatl, which gave it a spicy flavor.[13] Fresh or dried leaves are also used as a tarragon substitute for flavoring soups and sauces. A pleasant anise-flavored tea is brewed using the dried leaves and flower heads. This is primarily used medicinally in Mexico and Central America.[14]
A yellow dye can also be obtained from the flowers, and when the plant is dried and burnt, it is used as an incense and to repel insects.[15]
In one study,methanolic extract from the flower inhibited growth ofStaphylococcus aureus,E. coli, andCandida albicans cultures. This effect was enhanced with exposure to ultraviolet light. The roots, stems, and leaves also had the same effect when irradiated withultraviolet light.[16]
The plant contains the following compounds:
Data related toTagetes lucida at Wikispecies
Media related toTagetes lucida at Wikimedia CommonsAuthority control databases: National |
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