Anacyclus

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Anacyclus - flowering culture; a small genus of annual and perennial herbaceous plants of the Asteraceae family. Another name is saliva. The genus includes 14 species that naturally grow in the Mediterranean. In culture, there are single species. Outwardly, representatives of the genus are similar to chamomile (lat. Matricaria). Anacyclus is actively used in ornamental gardening; it can be considered a versatile plant suitable for decorating various types of flower beds. The genus got its name from two Greek words, which in translation into Russian mean "ring flower", which speaks of the peculiarities of the structure of the flowers of culture.

Characteristics of culture

Anacyclus is represented by annual and perennial herbaceous plants no more than 40-50 cm in height with creeping or slightly ascending stems and dark green pinnately dissected leaves, fascinating with a silvery shade and forming small dense clumps. The flowers are small, bisexual, tubular, yellow, collected in inflorescences-baskets with a diameter of about 4-5 cm, surrounded by white reed flowers or without them (this characteristic is inherent in the species Anacyclus valentinus). Anacycluses are distinguished by long and abundant flowering, which is why they are popular among gardeners. The seeds of the culture under consideration are small, compressed, smooth, equipped with wide translucent wings.

The following types are known in culture:

* Anacyclus pyrethrum (Latin Anacyclus pyrethrum) is represented by perennial herbaceous plants up to 45 cm high with a creeping stem that forms compact cushions. The central flowers are yellow, the marginal flowers are white. One of the most common types. Another name is Roman or Spanish chamomile. It is used not only for decorative purposes, but also in cosmetology and medicine. An extract is obtained from plants, which is used in the production of creams, ointments and other body care products. The breeders have obtained a very attractive form of the Anacyclus pyrethrum var. Depressus. It is represented by plants, the marginal flowers of which on the reverse side have a pink-purple color.

* Anacyclus radiant (Latin Anacyclus radiatus) is represented by annual plants with stems no more than 80-85 cm long. The central flowers are yellow, the marginal flowers are white. It blooms in June and lasts until frost. A subspecies of the radiant anacyclus is known - Anacyclus radiatus subsp. Radiatus, it is distinguished by reddish marginal flowers. The species in question is no less relevant, it is used to design rabatki, borders, flower beds, rock gardens and other types of flower beds.

* Anacyclus valentinus (Latin Anacyclus valentinus) is represented by perennial plants with dense yellow inflorescences-baskets without marginal flowers. In horticulture, the species is used infrequently, it is suitable for supplementing low-growing groups, as well as for drying. Dried inflorescences of anacyclus are used to make winter bouquets and various crafts.

The subtleties of growing

Anacyclus is a sun-loving culture. You can provide plants with vigorous growth and abundant flowering by creating optimal conditions. The culture prefers well-lit areas with protection from cold winds. Soils are desirable drained, moderately moist, sandy, permeable, loose, the presence of gravel or sand will not affect the development of the culture. Will not tolerate anacyclus of commonwealth with heavy clayey, strongly acidic and waterlogged soils. Lowlands with stagnant cold air and water are also not suitable.

Anacyclus is a relatively winter-hardy plant; it needs shelter for the winter only in regions with cold winters. Representatives of the genus reproduce by seeds. Sowing is carried out immediately after collecting seeds in a greenhouse or under glass. Seedlings appear in the spring, at the same time, in phase 2 of these leaves, they are transplanted to a permanent place. Sowing in mid - late May - early June is not prohibited. Reproduction by cuttings is possible. This operation is performed in the spring. The culture is undemanding to care, quite rare watering, weeding, loosening and feeding (twice a season).