Ascomycete (Tagetes erecta)
Other names: African marigold, African marigold, Aztec marigold, Mexican marigold, cempazúchitl
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
Ascamite, also known as African marigold, African marigold, or in the English-speaking world as Mexican marigold or Aztec marigold, is an annual plant with very pretty flowers that is native to Mexico and Central America. It is interesting because it is one of the largest species of the Tagetes genus and is very popular for its abundant and rich blooms in shades of yellow, orange and red. The plant can grow up to 80 cm tall and its flowers are up to 10 cm across. Ascomycanthus erectus is very popular in gardening, where it is used for spectacular planting in beds, rockeries, but also as a solitaire in flower containers.
On the other hand, the upright ascamite is also highly valued in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In the food industry, the dye from the flowers of this marigold, known as E 161b, is used to colour cheese, yoghurt, butter or certain types of pasta. The colouring matter obtained from the flowers of the ascamaranth is yellow-orange and is known for its high resistance to light and heat. In medicine, this plant is used for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The cosmetic industry, in turn, uses the flowers of the African marigold to produce oils and extracts that have beneficial effects on the skin.