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Matricaria chamomilla
Matricaria chamomilla has a branched stem which is erect and smooth, and which grows to a height of 15–60 cm. The long and narrow leaves are bipinnate or tripinnate. The flowers are borne in paniculate capitula. The white ray florets are furnished with a ligule, while the disc florets are yellow. The hollow receptacle is swollen and lacks scales. This property distinguishes German Chamomile from, Corn Chamomile (Anthemis arvensis), which has a receptacle with scales. The flowers bloom in early to mid summer and have a strong aromatic smell. German chamomile is used in herbal medicine for a sore stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, and as a gentle sleep aid. It is also used as a mild laxative and is anti-inflammatory and bactericidal.
It can be found near populated areas all over Europe and temperate Asia, and it has been widely introduced in temperate North America and Australia. It often grows near roads, around landfills, and in cultivated fields as a weed because the seeds require open soil to survive.
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