marigolds

Calendula () is a genus of about 15–20 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae that are often known as marigolds. They are native to Europe, North Africa, Macaronesia, West Asia and Western Himalayas and have their center of diversity in the Mediterranean Region. Other plants known as marigolds include corn marigold, desert marigold, marsh marigold, and plants of the genus Tagetes.

The genus name Calendula is a modern Latin diminutive of calendae, meaning "little calendar", "little clock" or possibly "little weather-glass". The common name "marigold", a contraction of "Mary's gold" used especially for Calendula officinalis, refers to the Virgin Mary. C. officinalis is the most commonly cultivated and used species, popular herbal and cosmetic products named "Calendula" invariably derive from it.