Tripleurospermum grossheimii
< On the list of Rare and Endangered Plants of Armenia
Matricaria
Matricaria is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). Some of the species have the common name of "mayweed," but this name also relates to plants not in this genus.
Most are very common in the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and America as well as in North Africa, and South Africa and some are naturalised in Australia. M. occidentalis is native in North America; other species are introduced.
These are hardy, pleasantly aromatic annuals, growing along roadsides, in ruderal soils, and fallow land, rich in nutrients. Many are considered nuisance weeds. However they are suitable for rock gardens, herb gardens and as border plants.
Their many-branched stems are prostrate to erect, glabrous and very leafy. Their bipinnate leaves have numerous linear, narrowly lobed leaflets.
The flowers are radially symmetrical.The greenish yellow capitula are semi-spherical. The white ray florets can be present (M. recutita) or lacking (M. discoidea). The disc florets are 4- to 5-dentate. The receptacle is 2-3 times as high as wide. The pappus may be crown-shaped and short, or lacking.
The extracts of German Chamomile (M. recutita) are taken as a strong tea, safe for human consumption. It has been ascribed in herbal medicine to be carminative and anti-inflammatory. It is also used in ointments, lotions, and as a mouthwash against infections of mouth and gums.
The taxonomy of Matricaria is controversial and very confused. Several species are classified in Tripleurospermum or Matricaria, depending on the interpretation of the author. The distinction is made according to the number of the seed ribs : Tripleurospermum has one adaxial and two lateral seed ribs, while Matricaria has 4 or 5 adaxial seed ribs.
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Plant in Armenia
Եռակողիկ Գրոսսհեյմի (“Yerakoghik Grossheymi”)
Status
Rare species. Two populations known in Armenia.
Habitat in Armenia
Grows in the floristic regions of Verin Akhuryan and Geghama.
Habitat and ecology
Grows in rocky places, near alpine meadows.
Biology and potential value
High decorative plant. Has huge scientific value.
Measures of protection
Control over the populations should be established. Should also be included in the botanical parks.