Matricaria L.

Ghazanfar, S. A., Edmondson, J. R. & Hind, D. J. N. (Eds). (2019). Flora of Iraq, Volume 6: Compositae.Kew Publishing

Morphology General Habit

Annual fragrant herbs; indumentum absent or of simple, basifixed hairs

Morphology Leaves

Leaves 1- or 2-pinnatisect, with numerous linear segments

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences ± flat-topped

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences Capitulum

Capitula pedunculated, heterogamous or homogamous, radiate or discoid; phyllaries in 2 or 3 rows, margins scarious

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Receptacle

Receptacle conical to subulate, lacking scales

Ray

Ray florets (if present) in 1 row, female, white, fertile

Disc

Disk florets yellow or pale green, bisexual; corolla tubular, apex 4- or 5-lobed

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens Anthers

Anther bases obtuse; apical appendage triangular

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Style

Style branches linear, apex truncate

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Achenes small, terete, slightly flattened and with 3–5 thin ribs; pappus reduced to a corona or absent.

Etymology

Matricaria, from L. matrix, womb, so called because a decoction was used to treat menstrual disorders.