Japanese name: カミツレ Scientific name:Matricaria chamomilla
[Overview]
An annual 15–60 cm tall.
The stem is hairless and branches in the upper part.
The leaves are alternate, 4–7 cm long, irregularly divided pinnately two to three times, and the final lobes are linear.
The flowers are borne at the tips of stems and branches and consist of white ray florets and yellow tubular florets; the receptacle rises in a cone shape, has no scales on its surface, and is hollow inside.
[Uses]
The flowers have a sweet, apple-like fragrance and are said to have sedative and anti-inflammatory effects, to enhance healing, and to activate immune function; they are used medicinally and as herbal tea.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained place.
There are no pests or diseases and it is easy to grow, but care is needed because it is weak against summer heat and dryness.
