Tithonia diversifolia

Tithonia diversifolia
Specimen in Saint-Paul, Réunion
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Genus:	Tithonia
Species:	T. diversifolia
Binomial name
Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A.Gray
Synonyms
Mirasolia diversifolia Hemsl.

Tithonia diversifolia is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family that is commonly known as the tree marigold, Mexican tournesol, Mexican sunflower, Japanese sunflower or Nitobe chrysanthemum. It is native to eastern Mexico and Central America but has a nearly pantropical distribution as an introduced species. Depending on the area they may be either annual or perennial, 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) in height with upright and sometimes ligneous stalks in the form of woody shrubs. The flowers are orange.

Symbolism and uses

• In Japan, towards the end of the Meiji Period, they were imported as ornamental plants although seldom cultivated there. Having a characteristic bitter taste, they were used to induce a fever to help fight poisoning, although not used for direct medicinal purposes. There is also the story of the species being introduced to Japan by Nitobe Inazo, hence its Japanese name, the Nitobe chrysanthemum (ニトベギク; Nitobegiku).

• They are sold in herbal medicine markets in Taiwan.

• It is the provincial flower of Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand.

• It is the unofficial symbol of Da Lat city, Vietnam.

External links

Media related to Tithonia diversifolia at Wikimedia Commons Data related to Tithonia diversifolia at Wikispecies