CHAMOMILE

Chamomiles are the natives of Europe, North Africa and the temperate regions of Asia, the flowers of which resemble the asters morphologically but for the very minute chaffy scales between the florets of the so-called flower. Chamomile flowers are very fragrant. Chamomiles have some specific flower fragrance which is loved by all.

Kingdom

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class

Magnoliopsida

Order

Asterales

Family

Asteraceae

Genus

Anthemis

The chamomile stem is procumbent, and the leaves are alternate, bipinnate, finely dissected, and downy to glabrous. The chamomile flowers are held in solitary, terminal flowerheads, rising 8-12 inches above the ground. Chamomile flowers consist of prominent yellow disk flowers and silver-white ray flowers. The flowers are arranged in conical centre (having 18 white rays), receptacle, on which the yellow, tubular florets are placed. Chamomile flowers bloom during the months of June and July.

Facts About Genus Chamomile flowers

• Chamomile is the national flower of Russia.
• The ancient Egyptians used chamomile because of its extensive healing properties.
• The fresh chamomile plant is strongly and agreeably aromatic, with a scent of apples .
• The true or Common Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is a low-growing, creeping or trailing plant.
• Branches are covered with leaves which are divided into thread-like segments, making the whole plant a feathery appearance.
• The Scotch Chamomile of is the Single or Wild Chamomile, The English Chamomile is the double form.
• The difference between Anthemis nobilis and other species of Anthemis is the shape of these scales, which in Anthemis nobilis are short and blunt.
• Small flies are the chief insect-visitors to the flowers which pollinate the flower.
• The chamomile plant is highly used medicinally, ie., the parts Flower-heads or capitula, and as herb beers.
• The flowers have white petals, yellow centers and once they are dried.
• The flowers and leaves of chamomiles can be made into a soothing tea which has relaxing properties. A cup of tea with chamomile induces sleep.
• Chamomile's anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and disinfectant properties have been applied to urinary infections, diaper rash, earache, sore nipples, toothache and neuralgia.
• Chamomile oil is extracted from the flowers for use in perfume, medicine, and hair rinse.
• The popular species of Chamomile are Roman or garden chamomile, German or wild chamomile, and golden or dyer's chamomile.
• Chamomile is used in a number of unusual ways like, to spray diseased plants, to lighten blonde hair, to tone facial skin.

Growing Chamomiles

• Chamomiles are propagated by root division, and also by sowing seeds.
• Sow the seeds of chamomile in the spring.
• Give a gap of 15-18 inches between the seedlings when tou sow seeds in your garden.
• Chamomiles need a well drained, and rich soil.
• Chamomiles need full sun.
• The soil should be sandy and slightly acidic.
• Application of fertilizer will help this plant to grow to its full potential.
• Provide sufficient water to keep the soil moist. Let not the soil be dried out completely.

Caring for Chamomiles

• Harvest the chamomile flowers when they reach peak bloom.
• To dry chamomile flowers, spread flowers out to dry in a cool and ventilated area.
• Fertilize the plant periodically.
• After flowering, cut back the chamomile plant to ground for a good harvest the next year.