FRENCH MARIGOLD

Tagetes patula, the French marigold, is a species in the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is native to the Americas with several naturalised populations around the world. The flower is an annual, occasionally reaching 0.5 m by 0.3 m. In some climates it flowers from July to October. In its native habitat of the highlands of central Mexico, blooms are produced from September to killing frost.

Achenes ripen and are shed within two weeks of the start of bloom. The heads contain mostly hermaphrodite (having both male and female organs) florets and are pollinated primarily by beetles in the wild, as well as by tachinid flies and other insects. The leaves of all species of marigold include oil glands. The oils are pungent and are harvested for use in perfumery.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.