Common name:	French marigold, African marigold, Mexican marigold, Indian marigold, Roger stench, persimmon herb. Calendula belongs to a different genus (calendula).
Botanical name:	Tagetes spp.: Tagetes erecta, Tagetes lucida, Tagetes minuta, Tagetes patula.
Family:	Compositae / Asteraceae (daisy / aster family)
Origin:	Despite their common name, the African marigold (T. erecta) and the French marigold (T. patula) are native to Mexico and Central America. These plants were brought from the New World to Europe in the 16th century. Wonders have become naturalized in many warm climate areas around the world.
Description:	Wonders are classified into three groups: French, African, and triploid wonders. French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are small bushy plants that are 15-30 cm tall. The flowers are up to 5 cm wide and are composed of a dense arrangement of "rays" that come in yellow, orange and a unique bronze color. French marigolds bloom continuously until frost cuts them off. African marigolds (Tagetes erecta), also called American marigolds, are tall, robust plants that grow up to 1 m in height. They have larger flowers and a shorter flowering period than their French cousins. Triploid marigolds are sterile hybrids that are obtained by crossing the French species with the African. These triploids are unbroken blooms with impressive 7-8 cm flower heads in light warm colors of gold, yellow, red, and russet. The leaves of all marigolds are deep green, deeply divided, and have a somewhat unpleasant aromatic fragrance.
Applications:	The marigold flower petals are fed to chickens, imparting a yellow hue to the meat and fat. Another species of Tagetes is commonly called Mexican tarragon (Tagetes lucida). It is used in cooking as a substitute for the more familiar French tarragon. Other species are used in perfumery.
Allergens:	Sesquiterpene lactones are believed to be the main sensitizers of the Compositae family. Other possible allergens are thiophenes which include 5- (3-buten-1-ynyl) -2,2′-bithiophene, alpha-tertienyl, and hydroxytremethone.
Allergy:	Several species of Tagetes are strongly aromatic and potentially irritating. As early as 1895, an allergy to Tagetes minuta was reported. Tagetes indica is well known for causing airborne contact dermatitis In India. the predominance ranges from 0.7-1.4% in the general population, to 4.5% among occupationally exposed persons. Compound allergy is among the top ten contact sensitivities in Europe. Tagetes minuta has become an important herb in parts of Africa; The sap causes chemical irritation and possible allergy. There are reports of Tagetes patula occupational dermatitis in an aromatherapist.
Cross reactions:	Arnica montana.
Other information:
Patch test:	Sheet, as is, sesquiterpene, compositae mix.