Definition

Noun: 1. A genus of chiefly Old World, aromatic, weedy herbs belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae). Plants in this genus are characterized by their strong scent and often have finely divided, fern-like leaves. The genus has undergone taxonomic revision, so some species formerly included in Matricaria are now classified in other genera, such as Tanacetum (tansy) and Tripleurospermum (mayweed).

Usage Examples

• The most well-known species is , often called German chamomile, which is used to make herbal tea.
• Botanists study the differences between and the closely related genus .
• Some plants sold as chamomile may belong to the genus or to the genus .

Advanced Usage

• In botanical and horticultural contexts, the genus name is used formally to classify and describe specific plants. It is often followed by a species epithet (e.g., ).
• The name is derived from Latin "" (womb), historically referring to the plant's traditional use in treating gynecological disorders.

Variants and Related Words

• Matricaria chamomilla / Matricaria recutita (n): The scientific names for German chamomile, a specific species within the genus prized for its medicinal flowers.
• Matricaria inodora (n): A species name for scentless mayweed, a plant formerly placed in this genus but now often classified as .

Synonyms

• Genus Matricaria: The formal taxonomic synonym.
• Wild chamomile: A common name for some species within the genus, though this term can be ambiguous.

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning of is taxonomic, referring to a specific group of plants. Its common understanding is primarily scientific.
• Due to historical reclassification, the precise scope of the genus can be a point of technical detail. The reference context highlights that it "comprises plants sometimes included in other genera," indicating its fluid taxonomic history.

Noun

1. chiefly Old World strong-smelling weedy herbs; comprises plants sometimes included in other genera: e.g. Tanacetum; Tripleurospermum