Chamomile

Chamomile

Scientific Name:
Chamaemelum nobile

Family:
Asteraceae

Varieties:

• Roman (ID: 207)

Introduction

Chamaemelum nobile, commonly known as Roman chamomile, is a low-growing perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Western Europe and the northwestern Maghreb but has been introduced and naturalized in other regions. Roman chamomile is valued for its daisy-like flowers, which are used in herbal teas, aromatherapy, and as a natural dye. Despite its historical use in traditional medicine, it lacks established medicinal properties.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Roman chamomile has procumbent stems with alternate, bipinnate, finely dissected leaves. The flowers are solitary, terminal, and consist of yellow disk flowers surrounded by silver-white ray flowers. The plant emits a sweet, crisp, fruity, and herbaceous fragrance.
• Growing Conditions: It thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil, tolerating a wide range of soil pH. Roman chamomile is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and can withstand temperatures as low as -30 °C.
• Lifecycle: This perennial spreads via creeping, rooting stems and can be propagated through division or seeds. It blooms during the summer months.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Roman chamomile could be beneficial in space cultivation due to several reasons: - Air Purification: Plants like Roman chamomile can contribute to air purification by removing CO2 and releasing O2, which is crucial in closed environments like space stations. - Psychological Benefits: The calming effects of chamomile could help reduce stress and improve mental health in astronauts during long-duration missions. - Food and Beverage: Chamomile tea can provide a soothing beverage option for astronauts, potentially enhancing their quality of life. - Low Maintenance: Its low maintenance requirements make it suitable for controlled environments where resources are limited.

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Roman chamomile in space. However, NASA and other space agencies have conducted experiments on growing various plants in space to study their growth patterns and potential benefits for future missions. These experiments could lay the groundwork for future cultivation of herbs like Roman chamomile in space environments.