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Anthemis
Anthemis
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Anthemis
Corn chamomile
(Anthemis arvensis)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Tribe: Anthemideae
Genus: Anthemis
L.
Type species
Anthemis maritima
L.
Synonyms[2]
  • Lyonnetia Cass.
  • Maruta (Cass.) Gray
  • Ammanthus Boiss. & Heldr. ex Boiss.

Anthemis is a genus of aromatic flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, closely related to Chamaemelum, and like that genus, known by the common name chamomile; some species are also called dog-fennel or mayweed. Anthemis are native to the Mediterranean region and southwest Asia east to Iran. A number of species have also become naturalized in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world.[3][4][5][6]

There are around 100 species within this genus.[7]

Anthemis species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Orthonama obstipata (The Gem) and Bucculatrix anthemidella, a leaf-miner which feeds exclusively on Anthemis tinctoria.

Cultivation and uses

[edit]

Several species and cultivars are available for garden use. A. punctata subsp. cupaniana and Anthemis tinctoria 'E.C. Buxton'[8] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[9]

Anthemis cotula
Anthemis tomentosa

Species

[edit]

The following species are accepted:[10]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Anthemis is a of aromatic herbaceous plants in the family (tribe ), consisting of approximately 166 accepted of annuals, biennials, and perennials that are primarily native to Europe, Central Asia, the Western Himalaya, the , the , and . These plants are characterized by their daisy-like flower heads, which typically feature 5–20 (occasionally or ) ray florets surrounding a yellow disk of 100–300 florets, with involucres of 21–35 graduated phyllaries in 3–5 series. Taxonomically, Anthemis was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 and is distinguished from related genera like Chamaemelum and Matricaria by morphological traits such as medifixed hairs on stems and leaves, and specific achene structures. The genus exhibits a circum-Mediterranean distribution with extensions into temperate and subtropical biomes, where species often thrive in well-drained, sunny habitats ranging from coastal dunes to montane grasslands. Many species have been introduced to other regions, including North America and Australia, where some, like A. cotula (stinking chamomile), are considered invasive weeds. Morphologically, Anthemis species are annual or perennial herbs, often 10–80 cm tall, with strigose to soft-hairy or glabrous herbage; stems are decumbent to erect and branched, while leaves are mostly cauline, alternate, and 1–3-pinnately divided into narrow segments. Flower heads are solitary or in clusters, with ray florets that are pistillate or sterile, and disk florets that are bisexual and fertile; fruits are achenes, often ribbed or winged. Economically, several hold importance in , where infusions are used to treat anxiety, , disorders, , and , while others, such as A. tinctoria (golden marguerite), provide yellow dyes and serve as ornamental in gardens due to their clump-forming habit and long-blooming flowers.

Etymology and history

Name origin

The genus name Anthemis derives from the ancient Greek word anthēmon (ἀνθῆμον), meaning "flower" or "blossom," reflecting the plant's prominent floral structures. This etymological root was applied by classical authors to describe chamomile-like plants with daisy-shaped flowers; for instance, the Roman naturalist (23–79 CE) referred to such herbs as "anthemis" in his , noting varieties like "white anthemis" for their medicinal properties. In , the name Anthemis was formalized and expanded by in his seminal work (1753), where he classified numerous species under the genus, establishing it within the family based on shared morphological traits like capitula inflorescences. Linnaeus's adoption marked a pivotal step in systematizing the genus, distinguishing it from earlier informal uses and integrating it into . While species in the Anthemis genus are sometimes colloquially called due to superficial resemblances, the common name "" primarily refers to plants in the genera Matricaria (e.g., M. recutita, German chamomile) and Chamaemelum (e.g., C. nobile, Roman chamomile, formerly classified as Anthemis nobilis). This misapplication arises from historical overlaps in appearance and uses, but botanically, Anthemis species differ in features such as a solid receptacle in the flower head, unlike the hollow one in .

Historical significance

Anthemis species, particularly those akin to , were valued in and Roman medicine for their therapeutic properties. The Greek physician Dioscorides, in his seminal work (circa 50-70 CE), documented several Anthemis varieties, describing their use in treating ailments such as liver and disorders, issues, headaches, and as a and ; he noted applications involving roots, flowers, or the whole herb taken internally or applied topically. Similarly, the Roman naturalist , in Naturalis Historia (77 CE), extolled (referred to as white anthemis or earth-apple) as highly effective, recommending it in baths and poultices to alleviate headaches, as well as disorders of the kidneys, liver, and ; he attributed its praise to the physician Asclepiades and highlighted its summer-blooming nature. In medieval and the , Anthemis continued to feature prominently in herbal traditions, building on classical texts that were translated and expanded upon. European monastic herbals, such as the 14th-century English Agnus Castus, prescribed for digestive complaints like "all evil of the guts," , anxiety, and as a general tonic, reflecting its integration into daily remedies across apothecaries and households. In the , Dioscorides' work influenced Islamic scholars; for instance, it informed Arabic translations and treatises like those in , where Anthemis was employed for similar and effects, underscoring its role in bridging Greco-Roman and medieval pharmacopeias. During the , botanical exploration in the Mediterranean region advanced the documentation of Anthemis, paving the way for its formal classification. Explorers and naturalists, including those surveying and , collected specimens that revealed the 's diversity, with species like Anthemis arabica identified through fieldwork in the . This era culminated in Carl Linnaeus's in (1753), where he established Anthemis as a distinct within the family, drawing on these observations to organize its taxonomy based on floral and morphological traits.

Description

Morphological characteristics

Anthemis species are typically annual or perennial herbs, occasionally forming dwarf shrubs, that reach heights of 5–90 cm, with erect or ascending stems that are often branched above the middle and may be glabrescent to tomentose or glandular-punctate. These plants exhibit a general form that is suberect to decumbent, with stems that can be striate, subquadrangular, and sometimes reddish-brown at the base, contributing to their adaptability in various Mediterranean and Asian environments. The leaves of Anthemis are alternate, pinnatisect to pinnatifid, and often fern-like in appearance, measuring 1–5.5 cm in length with ultimate lobes that are narrow (0.4–1 mm wide), obovate-oblanceolate to linear, and terminated by a short mucro. Pubescence on the leaves varies from glabrous to densely tomentose, and the segments are typically patent with acute tips, providing a dissected structure that aids in identification within the family. Flowers are organized into solitary or corymbose capitula that are radiate or discoid, spanning 1–4.5 cm in diameter, borne on peduncles of 3–15 cm. These capitula feature 5–20 uniseriate, ray florets that are white (rarely or reddish) and 3–16 mm long, surrounding numerous or reddish-purple disc florets with 5-lobed corollas; the involucre is hemispherical to obconical, composed of 3–5-seriate, imbricate bracts that are scarious-margined and 2–7 mm long, while the pappus is absent or minute. The receptacle is paleaceous, a key distinguishing trait for the . The fruits are achene-like cypselas, terete to obpyramidate, 1–3 mm long, and 4–5-angled or compressed, with surfaces that are smooth, ribbed, tuberculate, or sulcate, sometimes featuring an auricle or corona at the apex. Ray achenes are often trigonous and more curved, while disc achenes are subquadrangular to turbinate. Many Anthemis species are aromatic due to essential oils stored in glandular trichomes on leaves and flower heads, which contain volatile compounds such as α-bisabolol, , and sesquiterpenes responsible for the characteristic chamomile-like scent and bioactivity. These oils, yielding 0.03–0.3% by weight, are produced in specialized glands and contribute to the genus's medicinal and cosmetic applications.

Growth habits

Anthemis species exhibit diverse life forms within the genus, predominantly as herbaceous or annuals, with some biennials and subshrubs. Perennials often form erect to decumbent clumps up to 90 cm tall, featuring branched stems and systems that support persistence across seasons. Reproduction occurs primarily through , known as cypselas, which are produced in abundance from both ray and disc florets in the radiate flower heads; perennial species may also propagate vegetatively via horizontal rhizomes, allowing for clonal spread in suitable conditions. Flowering typically takes place during the summer months, from June to August in temperate regions, when daisy-like capitula emerge in corymbiform arrays or singly on peduncles. These inflorescences, with white to yellow ray florets surrounding fertile disc florets, serve as attractants for a variety of pollinators, including bees and hoverflies, facilitating cross-pollination and seed set. The flowering habit contributes to the plants' role in supporting local while ensuring in open, sunny environments. Germination of Anthemis generally occurs in disturbed or open soils, where exposure and minimal promote , often in autumn or spring depending on and . Annual demonstrate rapid vegetative growth in their first year, quickly reaching maturity to produce before , while perennials establish more gradually through taproots that anchor in well-drained substrates. This ruderal enables effective colonization of arable lands and roadsides. Many Anthemis species display adaptations for , including deep systems that access subsurface moisture and tomentose (woolly) leaf surfaces that minimize by trapping a layer of still air. These pubescent leaves, often pinnatisect and aromatic, further reduce water loss while deterring herbivores through their texture and scent. Such traits allow the plants to thrive in dry, rocky, or sandy habitats with limited irrigation once established.

Taxonomy

Classification

Anthemis belongs to the kingdom Plantae, phylum Tracheophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Asterales, family Asteraceae, tribe Anthemideae, and genus Anthemis. This placement reflects its position within the diverse Asteraceae family, characterized by composite flower heads and vascular plant structure. The genus was established by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, with Anthemis maritima L. designated as the type species based on the original description in Species Plantarum. This lectotypification ensures nomenclatural stability for the genus. Molecular phylogenetic studies, utilizing nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (nrDNA ITS) sequences, along with morphological analyses, indicate that Anthemis forms a clade closely allied with genera such as Matricaria and Chamaemelum within the Anthemideae tribe. These relationships highlight shared evolutionary traits like aromatic compounds and similar inflorescence structures. Current taxonomic databases recognize approximately 166 accepted species in Anthemis, encompassing a range of annuals, perennials, and subshrubs primarily distributed in the Mediterranean and adjacent regions. The genus Anthemis has been associated with several historical synonyms, including Lyonnetia Cass., Maruta Cass., and Ammanthus Boiss. & Heldr. ex Boiss., which reflect early taxonomic treatments where these names were proposed for subsets of species now unified under Anthemis. These synonymies stem primarily from historical misclassifications driven by similarities in floral morphology, such as the arrangement of ray and disc florets in capitula, leading botanists like Cassini and Boissier to segregate groups based on perceived distinctions in habit and achene structure during the . Anthemis belongs to the tribe Anthemideae in the Asteraceae family and is closely allied with genera such as Chamaemelum (encompassing true chamomile, C. nobile), Matricaria (including German chamomile, M. chamomilla), and Cota. These relationships are supported by shared morphological traits like aromatic foliage and daisy-like inflorescences, as well as phylogenetic placements within the Anthemideae clade. Notably, Cota was formerly classified as a section within Anthemis (as Anthemis sect. Cota) due to overlapping features like obconical achenes and dorsiventrally flattened receptacles, but molecular studies using nrDNA ITS, cpDNA trnL-trnF, and ETS markers in the early 2000s led to its recognition as a distinct genus, emphasizing genetic divergences in the eastern Mediterranean flora. Common names for Anthemis species often cause confusion with related taxa, as terms like "dog fennel" and "mayweed" are applied interchangeably; for instance, A. cotula (stinking mayweed or dog fennel) shares these vernacular names with species in Eupatorium and Tripleurospermum, leading to misidentifications in field surveys and weed management. This overlap arises from superficial resemblances in feathery foliage and foul odor, though Anthemis species typically differ in their strongly aromatic, daisy-headed inflorescences.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The genus Anthemis is native primarily to the Mediterranean Basin, extending eastward through southwestern to and the region, as well as northward into parts of and southward into northern . Its distribution spans , southwestern , northern and northeastern , the , and reaches as far south as in some species. High is concentrated in the and Asia Minor, with significant occurrences in countries such as , , , and . Several Anthemis species have been introduced and naturalized beyond their native range in temperate zones worldwide, including the , (such as the and ), , , and parts of , where they frequently establish as weeds in agricultural fields, disturbed sites, and roadsides. These introductions often occurred as contaminants in crop seeds or via ornamental plantings, with many species arriving in and primarily during the through agricultural trade and colonization routes. The genus shows patterns of endemism, particularly on Mediterranean islands, with multiple species restricted to localized areas; for instance, Anthemis punctata subsp. cupaniana is endemic to , where it grows in rocky habitats. Other endemics, such as A. aetnensis on Mount Etna and A. pignattiorum in the Hyblaean Mountains of southeastern , highlight the role of insular isolation in driving within the genus.

Preferred environments

Anthemis species are primarily adapted to Mediterranean-type climates, featuring mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, which align with their native ranges in , , and western . They exhibit tolerance to a variety of conditions within these regions, including elevations up to approximately 2000 meters, as seen in species like Anthemis plutonia on rocky slopes in . These plants favor well-drained soils, particularly sandy, rocky, or types that prevent waterlogging, with a for neutral to alkaline pH levels. They perform best in poor, nutrient-limited substrates rather than rich ones, where excessive fertility can lead to leggy growth. Full sun exposure is crucial for vigorous growth and prolific flowering, as partial shade results in weaker, floppy plants. Once established, Anthemis demonstrates strong drought resistance, requiring minimal in suitable conditions, though moderate watering enhances bloom production during dry periods. They commonly occupy disturbed environments such as roadsides, fields, and overgrazed lands, where soil disturbance facilitates establishment.

Species

Diversity

The Anthemis comprises approximately 166 accepted , though historical estimates exceeded 200 before recent taxonomic revisions segregated groups such as section Cota into the separate Cota. These revisions, informed by molecular phylogenies, have reduced the circumscription of Anthemis sensu stricto while highlighting its complex evolutionary history. Infrageneric classification traditionally recognizes sections such as Anthemis sect. Anthemis and sect. Hiorthia, based on biosystematic studies emphasizing morphology and floral traits, though phylogenetic analyses indicate these divisions are not fully monophyletic. Morphological variation across the includes growth habits from annual herbs to woody-based perennials, capitula with white ray florets surrounding yellow disc florets or entirely yellow heads, and leaves that range from sparsely pubescent to densely tomentose with pinnatisect tomentum. Diversity is concentrated in Mediterranean hotspots, where the exhibits radiations linked to eco-climatological shifts, and hybridization frequently occurs in zones of , contributing to taxonomic challenges.

Notable species

Anthemis arvensis, commonly known as corn , is an annual or biennial herb native to , , the Mediterranean region, and extending to , where it primarily inhabits temperate biomes. It features small daisy-like flower heads measuring 5-9 mm in diameter with white ray florets and yellow disc florets, and it is distinguished as a common in arable fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas across . Introduced to in the late , likely as a seed contaminant, it has become a problematic in crops and pastures, forming dense stands that compete with agricultural plants. Anthemis cotula, or stinking , is an annual native to the Mediterranean region and , growing up to 60 cm tall with erect, branching stems covered in finely divided leaves and daisy-like flowers with white ray florets and yellow disc florets. It is characterized by a strong, acrid apple-like from glandular hairs, which can cause and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals upon contact or . Widely introduced to , it behaves as an invasive weed in temperate zones, infesting disturbed sites, roadsides, and croplands, where it spreads aggressively via prolific seed production. Anthemis cupaniana, the Sicilian , is a compact perennial endemic to , , where it grows in rocky, well-drained Mediterranean habitats up to 30 cm tall with finely dissected silvery-gray foliage and white-rayed yellow-centered flowers. Valued as an ornamental for its drought tolerance and long-blooming period from summer to autumn, it has received the Royal Horticultural Society's for its garden performance. Anthemis maritima, the of the , is a or subshrubby native to the western and central Mediterranean region, particularly coastal areas of and North Africa, where it forms low mounds up to 40 cm high with aromatic, pinnatisect leaves and solitary white flower heads. It is adapted to sandy and saline soils, contributing to dune stabilization through its rhizomatous growth and tolerance to maritime conditions.

Ecology

Biological interactions

Anthemis species, belonging to the Asteraceae family, exhibit composite flower heads consisting of peripheral ray florets and central disc florets, with nectar primarily produced in the disc florets to attract pollinators. These plants are mainly pollinated by insects, including solitary bees (such as those in the families Andrenidae and Halictidae) and hoverflies (Syrphidae), which visit the flowers for nectar and pollen. Observations in garden settings have shown that species like Anthemis tinctoria attract frequent visits from solitary bees and hoverflies, though larger social bees such as honeybees and bumblebees show minimal attraction. In terms of herbivory, Anthemis serves as a host for certain larvae, including the polyphagous of Orthonama obstipata (the gem , Geometridae), which feeds on foliage of species such as and other mayweeds. Additionally, the leaf-mining Bucculatrix anthemidella (Bucculatricidae) specializes in Anthemis tinctoria, where its larvae create mines in the leaves, potentially reducing photosynthetic capacity. To counter such herbivory, Anthemis produces sesquiterpene lactones (SLs), secondary metabolites concentrated in the aerial parts that act as chemical defenses by deterring feeding and causing or to herbivores and humans upon contact. These SLs, including germacranolides and eudesmanolides, can induce characterized by skin and inflammation, as observed in handling species like . Symbiotic relationships in Anthemis include arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associations, particularly with Glomus mosseae, which colonize to facilitate uptake in nutrient-poor or disturbed soils. In field studies across populations of in the Himalaya, root length colonization by AMF ranged from 8.5% to 85.1%, with high colonization enhancing and other mineral acquisition, leading to increased (up to 116.95% mycorrhizal dependency) and reproductive output, such as capitula production rising from 4.4 to 24 per plant. These associations contribute to the plant's adaptability in suboptimal environments by improving water relations and overall vigor. As an invasive weed, Anthemis cotula demonstrates allelopathic interactions by releasing chemical inhibitors from shoots and roots that suppress competitors, particularly in agricultural settings. Aqueous extracts and leachates from fresh shoots at concentrations of 50% inhibit seed germination and seedling growth of crops like (Triticum aestivum) and (Hordeum vulgare), with root dry weight reductions of 57.1% in and 72.7% in , while promoting some growth at lower dilutions or when incorporated into . This , combined with resource competition, enables dense stands that exclude crops and native vegetation, exacerbating its status in arable lands.

Conservation status

Most Anthemis species, particularly widespread ones such as A. arvensis and A. cotula, are considered of Least Concern or remain unevaluated by the due to their broad distributions and adaptability. However, several endemic taxa are threatened, with limited assessments revealing significant risks for a subset of the genus's approximately 166 species; for instance, Anthemis glaberrima is classified as Critically Endangered owing to its extremely restricted range on Aegean islets. Similarly, Anthemis chrysantha is considered critically endangered regionally, highlighting vulnerabilities among island endemics. Key threats to these species stem from anthropogenic pressures in their Mediterranean strongholds, including overgrazing by introduced goats, which degrades habitats, and urbanization leading to direct habitat destruction. Invasive alien species and waste accumulation further exacerbate declines on isolated populations, while climate change poses emerging risks by altering the arid and semi-arid environments essential for many taxa, as observed in Anthemis aetnensis. Conservation efforts focus on in situ protection, with select species safeguarded under the EU Habitats Directive and within nature reserves; A. glaberrima, for example, occurs in one site. Additional measures include habitat management in protected areas, such as for Anthemis regis-borisii in Bulgaria's reserve, and active interventions like those for Anthemis didymaea in Lebanon's region to counter climate impacts. Ex situ strategies complement these, with threatened Anthemis taxa maintained in botanic garden collections to support potential reintroductions and genetic preservation.

Cultivation and uses

Ornamental uses

Anthemis species are valued in ornamental for their daisy-like flowers, aromatic foliage, and resilience in challenging conditions, making them popular choices for low-maintenance landscapes. These perennials offer prolonged blooming periods from early summer to fall, enhancing borders, rock gardens, and cottage-style plantings with their bright yellow, cream, or orange blooms. Popular cultivars include Anthemis tinctoria 'E.C. ' (now classified as Cota tinctoria 'E.C. '), which produces pale lemon-yellow flowers on stems reaching 2-3 feet tall, complemented by finely divided, silvery-green foliage that emits a pleasant fragrance when brushed. This variety is particularly noted for its abundant, long-lasting displays and suitability as a cut flower. Another favored selection is Anthemis sancti-johannis (also classified as Cota tinctoria subsp. sancti-johannis), featuring vibrant orange daisy flowers held above compact clumps of grey-green, aromatic leaves, ideal for adding bold color to garden borders. Cultivation of Anthemis requires full sun exposure and well-drained soil to prevent , with plants thriving in sandy or loamy conditions and tolerating poor fertility. can be achieved through seeds on the surface in spring or by dividing established clumps in early fall, allowing for easy expansion in the garden. These perennials are hardy in USDA zones 3-9, demonstrating strong tolerance to once established and requiring only moderate watering during dry spells. In garden design, Anthemis serves as a drought-tolerant that excels in rock gardens, sunny borders, and xeriscapes, where its mounding habit and extended bloom time provide structure and visual interest. The flowers attract and other pollinators, supporting while requiring minimal upkeep beyond occasional deadheading to prolong flowering. Several Anthemis varieties have received recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society, including the Award of Garden Merit for A. tinctoria 'E.C. Buxton' in 1993, highlighting its reliability and ornamental appeal in temperate gardens.

Medicinal and other applications

Several species within the genus Anthemis have been employed in traditional medicine for their potential therapeutic properties, particularly anti-inflammatory effects derived from essential oils and extracts. Traditionally, species like Anthemis cotula have been used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, while others, including Anthemis nobilis (now often classified as Chamaemelum nobile), serve as carminatives and diaphoretics for digestive and respiratory issues. In Turkish folk medicine, various Anthemis species are used for gastrointestinal disorders, hemorrhoids, stomach pain, and inflammatory conditions. However, these applications are generally considered less potent than those of Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile), which has more robust clinical backing for similar uses. Despite these traditional roles, Anthemis species can pose risks due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones, which are potent contact allergens capable of inducing allergic contact dermatitis upon skin exposure. This reaction is particularly common in sensitive individuals handling plants like Anthemis altissima or Anthemis arvensis, with symptoms including redness, itching, and blistering; caution is advised for those with known Asteraceae allergies. Beyond medicinal contexts, Anthemis tinctoria (now Cota tinctoria; dyer's chamomile) has been utilized historically as a source of yellow pigments for natural dyes, yielding shades from pale to dark yellow when mordanted on textiles. Essential oils from species such as Anthemis nobilis are incorporated into perfumery for their sweet, herbaceous, and apple-like aromas, contributing to calming and floral notes in fragrances. In agriculture, Anthemis arvensis serves as a limited cover crop in olive groves, aiding soil conservation and erosion control on degraded lands through self-seeding, though its unpalatability restricts fodder use. Modern research highlights the potential of and in Anthemis species, such as those isolated from Anthemis tinctoria and Anthemis palestina, which demonstrate free radical scavenging in assays like . Additional studies have explored , antiproliferative, and activities in extracts of Anthemis austriaca and Anthemis altissima, attributing effects to triterpenes and polyphenols. Nonetheless, clinical remains , with most findings derived from preclinical models rather than trials.

References

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