Tagetes erecta, the African or Aztec marigold, is the big orange and yellow pompom of Indian garlands, temples and festivals. It actually comes from Mexico, where it is the cempasúchil of the Day of the Dead. In India it is a major flower crop, and its petals are also the world’s main commercial source of the yellow pigment lutein.
- Botanical name
- Tagetes erecta L.
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Tamil
- Cendu
- Hindi
- Genda
- Parts used
- Flowers (garland)
- Habit
- Temple marigold; pot marigold is Calendula
- Last updated
- 2026-10-25
How to recognise Aztec marigold
It is an upright annual with deeply divided, feathery leaves dotted with oil glands. Crushed leaves have a strong, pungent smell.
The flower heads are large and fully double, packed with ruffled orange or yellow florets, on thick stalks.
The seeds are thin, black and needle-like, with a small tuft at one end.
French marigold, Tagetes patula, is smaller with bicoloured flowers. Pot marigold, Calendula officinalis, belongs to a different genus and has flat, daisy-like heads.
Traditional use of Aztec marigold
Garlands and festivals
Marigold garlands are central to Hindu worship, weddings and festivals such as Diwali and Dussehra, and fields are timed to bloom for the festival season.
Indian ritual practice
Farming
Farmers plant marigolds alongside vegetables as a trap crop and to discourage soil nematodes.
Indian farm practice
Modern notes on Aztec marigold
Marigold petals are processed into lutein for poultry feed, which gives egg yolks their colour, and into eye-health supplements. India is a leading producer.
Its roots release alpha-terthienyl, a compound shown to suppress some root-knot nematodes, which supports the farmers’ practice.
Aztec marigold safety
The flowers are for garlands and colour. Do not eat them unless they were grown as food, without pesticides. The sap can irritate sensitive skin.
Ecology and sourcing
It is native to Mexico and Central America and was brought to India by the Portuguese. It is now grown across the country.
Used flower waste from temples is a growing problem, and some cities now compost it or make dyes and incense from it.
Related plants
Also in Asteraceae
Questions about Aztec marigold
Is Aztec marigold calendula?
No. Calendula is pot marigold, Calendula officinalis, a different plant.
Where does Aztec marigold come from?
Mexico and Central America, despite the name African marigold.
What is lutein?
A yellow pigment from the petals, used in animal feed and supplements.
Sources
- Tagetes erecta L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q759876 (Tagetes erecta)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.