What is Calendula officinalis?
{{italictitle}} [[File:Calendula officinalis 03-09-2005 15.32.56.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Marigold]] '''''Calendula officinalis''''' (pot marigold, ruddles, common marigold, garden marigold), is a plant in the [[genus]] ''Calendula'' of the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Asteraceae]]. It is probably native to [[Southern Europe]]. It was the state flower of [[Junagadh and Bantva-Manavadar State]], now part of [[Gujarat]]. == Uses == Pot marigold florets are [[edible]]. They are often used to add [[colour]] to [[salads]] or added to dishes as a garnish instead of [[saffron]]. The leaves are edible but are often not palatable. They have been used as a herb and in [[salads]]. The flowers were used in [[Ancient Greek]], [[Ancient Rome|Roman]], [[Middle Eastern]], and [[India]]n cultures as a medicinal herb and a [[dye]] for [[fabric]]s, foods, and cosmetics.<ref name=pfaf>[http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Calendula+officinalis ''Calendula officinalis'' – L. Plants for a Future 2004]</ref> They are also used to make oil that protects the skin. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:Plants of Asia]] [[Category:Asteraceae]]