Marigold (Tagetes erecta)

Ades or Randa kencana or marigold (Tagetes erecta) are plants in the family Compositae (Asteraceae), as one of the ornamental herbs commonly used as hedgerows and are commercially cut flowers which have unique flowers and striking colors.

T. erecta is an annual plant, grows on soil with a neutral pH in hot areas, lots of sunlight and good drainage. The height of this plant ranges from 30 cm to 120 cm. The stem grows erect and branched, greenish white if the shoots are young and green if they are grown.

In all stems grow a compound with pointed ends and jagged edges. The outermost layer is the stem epidermis. Single leaves, pinnate resembling compound leaves, elongated shape to narrow lanceolate with round glandular spots on the edges and green.

Marigolds have flowers measuring 7.5 - 10 cm with double crown arrangements, bright colors with orange and golden yellow. Flowers have a complete organ including pistils and stamens, shaped like a hump, single or collected in panicles and surrounded by protective leaves.

Traditional medicine uses marigolds to cure respiratory infections, anti-inflammation, thinning phlegm, overcoming coughs and medication for wounds. Marigold flowers by the Filipino people are also used as a cure for anemia and rheumatism.

Plants contain essential oils, natural fungicides and anti-nematodes. Marigold flowers in the social are used as sow flowers and ceremonial facilities for the Hindu community in Bali. This plant is also used as a natural food coloring and chicken feed supplement to produce yellow in the egg.

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Tagetes
Species: T. erecta

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