Anacyclus pyrethrum


Anacyclus pyrethrum is a perennial herb much like chamomile in habitat and appearance. It is in a different family from the plants known as pellitory-of-the-wall and spreading pellitory.
It is found in North Africa, elsewhere in the Mediterranean region, in the Himalayas, in North India, the Levant and in certain regions in the Arabian peninsula.

Uses

It is popular as a food spice. It induces heat, tingling, and redness when applied to the skin.
Although one might assume from the pyrethrum suffix that this plant may contain pyrethrins, it does not. The second part of the binomial name stems from the Ancient Greek name for the plant, πύρεθρον, whereas the pyrethrins are named after Pyrethrum, used more recently for several plants of the genus Chrysanthemum, some of which do contain pyrethrins.
Ayurveda and Siddha have uses for this plant root and it has been used for centuries as a medicine. It is called Akkal-Kara in Hindi, Akkal Kadha in Marathi, and Akkarakaaram. An kind of oil is prepared by a method known as pit extraction.
Extracts of Anacyclus pyrethrum have anabolic activity in mice and also increase testosterone in the animal model.

Cultivation

Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus, called mat daisy or Mount Atlas daisy, is grown as a spring-blooming, low-water ornamental. It produces mats of grey-green, ferny foliage and single daisy-like white flowers. It is suitable for growing in an alpine or rock garden. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

Distribution

;Native:
Sources: GRIN, E+M, AFPD