Calendula

Calendula, a genus of the Compositae belonging to the sub-order Tubuliflorae, and the type of the tribe Calenduleae. It has a nearly flat common receptacle, two or three rows of lingulate female ray-florets, and male disk-florets. The genus includes annual and perennial forms, mostly natives of the Mediterranean region, with strong-smelling yellow or orange flowers, and is said to derive its name from the fact that some species is in flower on the first day or calends of every month. The inflorescences of C. officinalis, the common garden Marigold, are used in homoeopathic and domestic medicine, and to adulterate saffron.