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Description
Tagetes Minuta, commonly known as Chilean marigold or stinking roger, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to South America, particularly Chile and Argentina, and is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties.The plant can grow up to 2 meters tall and has a strong odor that repels insects and pests. It produces yellow flowers that bloom from May to September and has a deep root system that allows it to thrive in poor soil conditions.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Tagetes |
Appearance
Tagetes Minuta has a tall, erect stem with finely divided leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves have a feathery appearance and can grow up to 10 cm long. The plant produces yellow flowers that are small and daisy-like in appearance, with a diameter of around 2 cm. The flowers are arranged in clusters and bloom from May to September. The plant has a strong odor that is described as pungent and unpleasant.
Care Guide
Tagetes Minuta is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you care for your Tagetes Minuta:- Water: The plant requires moderate to low levels of water. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch.- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization. You can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate poor soil conditions.- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate hot and dry conditions.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tagetes Minuta is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be affected by some pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the plant. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with water or insecticidal soap.- Whiteflies: These are small, winged insects that feed on the underside of the leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-draining and not overwatering the plant.
Habitat
Tagetes Minuta is native to South America, particularly Chile and Argentina. It is widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Europe. The plant can grow in a variety of soil conditions, including poor soil, and can tolerate hot and dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tagetes Minuta edible?
A: Yes, the leaves and flowers of Tagetes Minuta are edible and are commonly used in South American cuisine.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Tagetes Minuta?
A: Tagetes Minuta has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. It is commonly used to treat digestive problems and respiratory infections.
Q: Can Tagetes Minuta be grown indoors?
A: Tagetes Minuta prefers full sun and is not suitable for indoor growing. It is best grown outdoors in a garden or container.
Q: How often should Tagetes Minuta be fertilized?
A: Tagetes Minuta does not require regular fertilization. You can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil during the growing season.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Tagetes Minuta:- Tagetes Lucida- Tagetes Erecta- Tagetes Patula- Tagetes Tenuifolia
References
– “Tagetes Minuta.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286860&isprofile=0&.- “Tagetes Minuta Information.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Tagetes-minuta.
