Anacyclus clavatus, Commonly known as wild chamomile, field chamomile, amarza or even daisy, is a plant from the Asteraceae family that grows abundantly in the Mediterranean region. Its delicate appearance, white flowers with yellow centers, and its traditional and current uses make it a fascinating species for gardeners, botany lovers, and those interested in natural remedies. Below, we explore its botanical characteristics, essential care, preferred habitats, medicinal, culinary, and ecological uses, as well as its ethnobotanical value in depth.
Origin, etymology and nomenclature
Anacyclus clavatus It is a native species of the Mediterranean basin. The name of the genus, Anacyclus, has Greek origins and is interpreted in two main ways: as "around it" (due to the radial arrangement of its flowers) or as derived from the Greek term Ananthocyclus (without floral ring, referring to the absence of petals on the outer flowers in some related species). The epithet clavatus It comes from Latin and refers to the club or club shape, characteristic of mature flower heads.
- Other common names: Bastard chamomile, chamomile border, daisy, magarza, bitterness, buttonflower, chapetes, gamarza, magarzón, bitter chamomile, manzanillera herb.
- Regional names: pampillos (Galician), camamil·la loca (Catalan), pão-posto (Portuguese), among many others.
Botanical description of Anacyclus clavatus
Anacyclus clavatus is a annual plant herbaceous in appearance. It has simple or branched stems, often covered in hair dense (tomentose) that can reach a height of between 20 and 50 cmIts leaves are distributed in a basal rosette and along the stem:
- Basal leaves: highly divided, elongated, pinnate, and ending in small mucrons. They are usually tri- or bipinnatisect.
- Upper leaves: less divided, smaller and with bi- or pinnatisect division.
The flowers are grouped in terminal chapters Daisy-like, with white outer ligules and bright yellow central florets. The flower heads open in sunlight and close at night or on cloudy days. A curious feature is that the ligules bend downward until they touch the peduncles before opening completely, a phenomenon observable in the early hours of the day.
Its fruits are achenes with or without lateral wings, and the presence of painter It depends on whether the flower is hemiligulate or florulous. The flowering It extends from late winter to midsummer, varying depending on altitude and local climate.
Habitat and ecological distribution
La Anacyclus clavatus thrives in a variety of habitats anthropogenic and natural, being common in:
- Edge of roads, highways and railways
- Xerophilous grasslands and degraded lands
- Crop boundaries, plots, roofs, paving stones
- Coastal sandbanks, wetland margins, fallow lands and vacant lands
It is found from sea level to altitudes above 1000 meters (sometimes up to 1400-1600 m), showing an extraordinary adaptation to dry and moderately poor soils. Prefers slightly acidic soils (pH 4.5 to 7.5), low salinity, and well-drained. It does not tolerate shade and prefers warm temperatures, typical of hilly areas and Mediterranean climates.
Essential care of Anacyclus clavatus
Anacyclus clavatus It is one of the most plants rustic and easy to maintain in Mediterranean conditions. Its cultivation requirements are minimal:
- Light: Demands direct sunlight, does not tolerate shade. Grow it in an exposed location or in a sunny garden.
- Substratum: Adaptable to poor, dry, and moderately fertile soils. It prefers well-drained, clayey or sandy soils.
- Irrigation: It tolerates prolonged drought. Watering should be occasional and light; excess water promotes root rot.
- Temperature: It tolerates both cold (light frost) and the intense heat characteristic of the Mediterranean climate.
- Multiplication: It reproduces easily by seed, dispersing locally throughout the environment. Direct sowing in the soil is very effective.
- Additional care: It does not require fertilizers or manure. It tolerates moderate grazing and trampling, although excessive herbivory restricts its presence.
- Pruning: It does not require pruning except to control its spread if it naturalizes.
- Association: It can grow alongside other xeric meadow plants and is compatible with the flora of roadsides and traditional orchards.
Life cycle and phenology
Anacyclus clavatus is a therophyte: It completes its entire life cycle in the favorable season, from germination to flowering and fruiting, leaving seeds that remain dormant until the next suitable season. This strategy allows it to quickly colonize spaces altered or exploited by human activities, such as fallow land or crop margins.
Seed dispersal is primarily local and nonspecific, facilitated by wind and the action of small animals. Each plant can occupy considerable areas if conditions permit.
Ecological importance and biodiversity
This species participates in the recovery of degraded ecosystems It is a pioneer in poor or disturbed soils. Its flowers attract pollinators (bees, butterflies, and other insects), and its seeds are a food source for wild birds such as partridges, quails, linnets, and similar species. Due to its resilience, it helps control erosion and promotes local biodiversity.
Traditional, medicinal and culinary uses
La Anacyclus clavatus has a wide range of ethnobotanical uses that have been passed down from generation to generation in the Mediterranean basin:
- Medical uses: Properties are attributed anti-inflammatory, digestive, carminative, antispasmodic and vulnerary. It has traditionally been used to treat Gastrointestinal disorders (colic, flatulence, diarrhea, ulcers, gastritis, intestinal parasites), relieve rheumatic pains, muscular and menstrual, and to promote the healing of wounds, burns, sores, eczema and the natural treatment of eye conditions such as conjunctivitis or allergies caused by sinusitis.
- Ways of use:
- Infusion: The dried or fresh flowers are used in infusions to strengthen intestinal flora and improve digestion after heavy meals.
- Plaster: The crushed leaves are applied to the skin to promote the healing of wounds or irritations.
- Digestive tea: Popular tradition recommends drinking the infusion after heavy meals to avoid discomfort or indigestion.
Nota: Although used traditionally, the efficacy and safety of its properties are not fully supported by modern scientific studies, so caution or prior consultation with a specialist is recommended.
- Culinary uses: The young leaves They can be added to salads, soups, or stews, providing a bitter and spicy flavor. The flowers are used to decorate salads or even in fruit salads. In historical times of scarcity, both the petals and leaves were eaten in salads.
- Alternative drink: The roots can be eaten raw, cooked, or even roasted to make a coffee-like beverage.
In difficult times, rural people have used any edible part of the plant; today, consumption is usually sporadic and more closely linked to ethnobotany.
Toxicity Considerations and Precautions
Although Anacyclus clavatus It is generally considered safe in traditional amounts used by the public; it should not be confused with other true chamomile species (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile), as not all properties are comparable. It is recommended to avoid intensive medicinal use in pregnant women, people with allergies to Asteraceae, or without professional supervision.
Cultural and symbolic value
The presence of Anacyclus clavatus In the rural Mediterranean landscape, it has given rise to multiple local names and associated traditions. It is common to make bouquets to give as gifts or use its flowers in traditional children's games, such as "he loves me, he loves me not." Its resilience and beauty have made it a common feature in patios, vegetable gardens, and natural meadows.
Botanical classification and technical sheet
- Domain: eukarya
- Supergroup: Archaeplastida
- Division: Streptophyta
- Subdivision: Spermatophytina
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Order: Asterals
- Family: Asteraceae (composites)
- Gender: Anacyclus
Ecological indicators and adaptability
- Requires direct sunlight exposure, does not thrive in shade.
- Prefer warm temperatures, is an indicator of hilly floors and dry environments.
- It develops in moderately poor soils and poorly fertilized.
- Disturbance tolerance: Tolerates occasional mowing, trampling and moderate grazing well.
- Therophytic cycle: annual, spends the unfavorable season in seed form.
At present, Anacyclus clavatus It is still commonly found in rural areas, fallow lands, and roadsides, contributing color, biodiversity, and traditions to Mediterranean folk culture. In addition to its ornamental and ecological values, it maintains its role as a resource plant in times of need and as an example of a pioneer species in the restoration of degraded soils.
