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Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Photo: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

On the map in 2 countries herbaceous plant symbol: Russia

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

Family: Asteraceae

On our map this plant appears in 2 countries and ranks highest in: Hungary, Russia.

An annual plant of the daisy family, 15–50 cm tall, with finely divided, thread-like leaves. The flower heads have white ray florets and a yellow, conically domed centre which – unlike in similar species – is hollow inside. The whole plant is strongly scented thanks to an essential oil containing blue chamazulene. Infusions of the flower heads are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and calming, and chamomile is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in the world.

Description from: Hungary.

More: Wikipedia (en) Wikipedia (pl) Plants of the World Online (Kew)

Significance in each country

  1. Hungary no. 5 of 8 native

    In Hungary chamomile grows wild in huge numbers on the salty soils of the Great Plain, and gathering it was an important occupation for villagers from the 19th century.

  2. Russia no. 6 of 15 native

    Unofficial national flower of Russia; symbol of the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity

    In Russia the “romashka” is regarded as the unofficial national flower, and the “loves me, loves me not” game of plucking petals is as popular here as anywhere in Europe.