Erect chamomile (Cota altissima, Fl. Sicul. Syn. 2: 867 (1855))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (L.) J.Gay

Bibliography: Fl. Sicul. Syn. 2: 867 (1855)

Year: 1855

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cota

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to W. Pakistan

Description

Erect chamomile, scientifically known as Cota altissima, is a notable member of the Asteraceae family. This species was first described in 1855 in the Flora Siculus Synoptica, specifically in volume 2, page 867, by the author J.Gay, indicating its well-documented history and botanical significance.

This plant is widely distributed across Europe and extends its presence to Western Pakistan. Such a broad geographical range highlights its adaptability to various climatic and soil conditions. Erect chamomile typically thrives in open fields, meadows, and along the roadsides, making it a familiar sight in its native regions.

Characterized by its upright growth habit, the Erect chamomile boasts a robust stem that supports its finely divided, feathery leaves, giving it a delicate yet striking appearance. The flowers, typically daisy-like, are composed of white ray florets surrounding a central disc of yellow, embodying the classic look associated with the chamomile family.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Cota altissima is often appreciated for its potential medicinal properties, a common trait within the Asteraceae family. Traditionally, various cultures have utilized chamomile species for their calming effects and digestive benefits, although specific uses of Erect chamomile might vary regionally.

In summary, Erect chamomile (Cota altissima) stands as a prominent species within the Asteraceae family, valued both for its widespread occurrence across Europe and Western Pakistan and its characteristic beauty and potential health benefits. Its well-documented history since 1855 underlines its importance in both botanical and medicinal studies.

Common Names

Eng: erect chamomile
Deu: hohe hundskamille
Swe: storkulla
En: Erect Chamomile
De: Hohe Hundskamille
Sv: Storkulla

Synonyms

• Anthemis cota var. longicuspidata (Eig)
• Anthemis arvensis (Pall. ex M.Bieb.)
• Chamaemelum altissimum (E.H.L.Krause)
• Anthemis cota var. brevicuspidata (Eig)
• Anthemis altissima var. discoidea (Iranshahr)
• Chamaemelum cota ((L.) All.)
• Pyrethrum cota ((L.) Eichw.)
• Anthemis reflexa (Moench)
• Anacyclus altissimus ((L.) Samp.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Khabarovsk (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 3, 2022 by Asd Syr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Scott Crowley (cc-by-sa)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:198373-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5390611)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cota altissima (L.) J.Gay)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Soil nutriments: 7