MARI GOLD, a name given to certain plants of thp natural order compositce, sub-order corymbiferce, chiefly of the genera calendula and tagetes. The genus calendula has the achenia remarkably curved, variously toothed, and very rough on the back. The species are annual and perennial herbaceous plants and shrubs, of which some of the former are found in the countries bordering on the Mediterranean, the latter chiefly in s. Africa. POT 31AmooLD (C. officinalis) is an annual, a native of France and the more southern parts of Europe, with an erect stem, 1 to 2 ft. high, the lower leaves obovate on long stalks, and large, deep yellow flowers. It has long been very common in British gar dens, and there are varieties with double flowers. The whole plant has a slight aromatic odor, and a bitter taste. It was formerly in great repute as a carminative, and was regarded also as an aperient and sudorific. The florets were the parts used, and they were dried in autumn, to be preserved for use. They are often employed to adulterate
saffron, and sometimes for coloring cheese. They were formerly a frequent ingredient in soups, and are still so used in some partS of England.—The genus tagetes consists of annual and perennial herbaceous plants, natives of the warmer parts of America, although T. erecta, one of those most frequently cultivated in Britain, bears the name of AFRICAN MARIGOLD ; and tagetes patula, another annual well known in our flower-borders,, is called FRENCH MAntoor.u. Both species are Mexican. They have been long in cultivation, and with a little assistance of a hot-bed in spring, succeed well even in Scotland, and are much admired for the brilliancy of their flowers.—Coux 31AntooLD is a chrysanthemum (q.v.).-31arsh Marigold (q.v.) has no botanical affinity with the true marigolds.