African marigold (Arctotheca calendula, J. S. African Bot. 8: 284 (1942))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (L.) Levyns

Bibliography: J. S. African Bot. 8: 284 (1942)

Year: 1942

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Arctotheca

Vegetable: False

Observations: Cape Prov. to Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal

Description

The African marigold, scientifically named Arctotheca calendula, is a distinguished member of the Asteraceae family. This vibrant plant is notable for its broad, cheerful blossoms that add a splash of color to various landscapes. Though commonly referred to as the African marigold, it should not be confused with the similarly named yet botanically distinct Tagetes species.

This species thrives naturally from Cape Province extending through Lesotho to KwaZulu-Natal, regions where it is well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. The African marigold garners attention for its resilience and ability to flourish in these diverse environments, making it a subject of interest among botanists and horticulturists.

First described in detail in the journal J. S. African Bot. in 1942, Arctotheca calendula has since become a notable specimen within African flora collections. Its classification was further refined by (L.) Levyns, whose contributions to the botanical community helped clarify the distinguishing characteristics of this plant.

Widely appreciated for its ornamental value, the African marigold is also recognized for its practical applications in traditional and contemporary horticultural practices. Its vibrant flowers and lush foliage not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes but also support local ecosystems by attracting pollinators.

In summary, Arctotheca calendula stands out not only for its striking appearance but also for its adaptability and ecological contributions, securing its place as a cherished plant within the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: african marigold, cape-dandelion, capeweed, plain treasureflower, plain treasure-flower, cape weed, plain treasure flower
Heb: arctotheca meshunenet
Fra: arctothèque
Deu: kaplöwenzahn
Por: erva-gorda
Spa: espumilla, la mala hierba del cabo, margarita africana
Swe: kapöga
Ces: oruňka měsí
Cym: blodyn-trysor unlliw
En: African marigold, Plain treasure-flower, Cape-dandelion, Capeweed, Plain Treasureflower, Cape Weed, Plain Treasure Flower, Plain Treasurefower
Af: Soet gousblom
Cs: Oruňka měsíčkovitá, Oruňka měsí
Fi: Hopeakultasilmä
Fr: Arctothèque
De: Kaplöwenzahn
He: Arctotheca meshunenet
It: Artoteca calendula
Pt: Erva-gorda
Pt-br: Venidium
Es: Espumilla, La mala hierba del Cabo, Margarita africana, Margarita del Cabo
Sv: Kapöga
Cy: Blodyn-trysor unlliw

Synonyms

• Arctotis sulphurea (Gaertn.)
• Cryptostemma calendulaceum ((L.) R.Br.)
• Arctotis hypochondriaca (Willd.)
• Arctotis calendulacea var. tristis ((L.) L.)
• Arctotis calendulacea var. superba ((L.) L.)
• Cryptostemma triste (Domin)
• Arctotheca calendulacea ((R.Br.) K.Lewin)
• Arctotis calendulacea var. hypochondriaca (L.)
• Cryptostemma runcinatum (R.Br.)
• Arctotis corruscans (DC.)
• Arctotis speciosa (Salisb.)
• Arctotis calendulacea (L.)
• Arctotis calendulacea var. coruscans (L.)
• Arctotis superba (L.)
• Arctotis calendula (L.)
• Arctotis tristis (L.)
• Cryptostemma hypochondriacum (R.Br.)
• Cryptostemma calendula (Druce)
• Alloiozonium arctotideum (Kunze)
• Cynotis hypochondriaca (Hoffmanns.)
• Arctotheca tristis ((L.) M.Talavera & Talavera)
• Arctotis acaulis (Brot.)

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• Free State (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Kriti (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Palestine (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Sardegna (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 26, 2020 by iypunto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2017 by Jesus Velloso (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2018 by Javier López (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2019 by Nacho Vilandry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2018 by christophe gorla (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by Dan Smith (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hervé Goëau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2022 by Mohammed Kara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2022 by Mohammed Kara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Cheri Williford (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 27, 2021 by Sanchez Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by joselu_4 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 13, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2022 by Tiziano Mancini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2017 by Carlos Villasante (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 3, 2018 by christophe gorla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2022 by Harry Carter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Fruit

Taken May 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 13, 2022 by Broto Puig Jaume (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:178499-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3114986)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Arctotheca calendula (L.) Levyns)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth