Pyrethrum

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• pyrethrum-flower
• pyrethrum-flowers
• Dalmatian Pyrethrum
• Dalmatia Pyrethrum
• Dalmatian Insect-Flower
• Dalmatian Pellitory

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Chrysanthemum rigidum
• Chrysanthemum turreanum
• Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium
• Pyrethrum cinerariifolium
• Pyrethrum turreyanum
• Pyrethrum willemotii

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and order Asterales, it is specifically situated in the family Asteraceae. Within this botanical hierarchy, it is identified under the genus Tanacetum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific presence across several regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Austria and Germany. Its distribution continues through the central landscapes of Hungary and Switzerland. Additionally, the species extends into Southwestern Europe, specifically within France. Collectively, these locations define the primary geographical range for this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Tanacetum cinearriifolium is characterized by its adaptation to high-altitude environments, typically thriving in montane or subalpine zones. It occupies a specific niche within its habitat, maintaining an elevational range that allows it to withstand the unique climatic pressures of mountainous terrains. On average, the plant is found at an elevational range mean of 2820 m AMSL, a height that dictates its exposure to intense solar radiation, fluctuating temperatures, and specific soil compositions found in these upper reaches. Its distribution is closely tied to these altitudinal parameters, which influence its growth patterns and the specific biotic interactions within its ecosystem.

Elevational range mean:

2820 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Tanacetum cineariifolium is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. Structurally, it is classified as a chamaephyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located close to the soil surface, typically just above it. This chamamephyte growth habit enables the plant to survive varying environmental conditions by maintaining its reproductive and vegetative potential near the ground level.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Tanacetum cinearariifolium is characterized by a non-woody, herbaceous growth form, functioning as a self-supporting herb. It is a terrestrial species that does not exhibit epiphytic or parasitic tendencies, growing instead as an independent organism. The plant maintains a relatively low stature, with a height that typically ranges from a minimum of 0.15 m to a maximum of 0.6 m, resulting in an average plant height of approximately 0.385 m. Because it is self-supporting, it does not possess the climbing habits of a vine or liana.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height mean:

0.385 m

Plant height min:

0.15 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Tanacetum cinearriifolium is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, indicating a standard carbon fixation process typical of many members of the Asteraceae family. The morphological parameters of its foliage reflect specific physiological adaptations to its environment, with leaf dimensions showing significant variability. The leaves typically exhibit a minimum length of 1.5 cm and a maximum length of 4 cm, maintaining an average leaf length of 2.75 cm. In terms of lateral expansion, the leaf width ranges from a minimum of 1 cm to a maximum of 2 cm, contributing to the overall surface area available for gas exchange and light interception during the photosynthetic process.

Leaf length max:

4 cm

Leaf length mean:

2.75 cm

Leaf length min:

1.5 cm

Leaf width max:

2 cm

Leaf width min:

1 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Tanacetum cinearifolium is characterized by a specific flowering phenology and the production of small, precise fruit and seed structures. The flowering period typically commences in June and extends through August. During this reproductive phase, the plant produces fruits that exhibit a mean length of 0.3 cm, with individual fruit dimensions ranging from a minimum of 0.25 cm to a maximum of 0.35 cm. The seeds produced are highly uniform in weight, maintaining a consistent mass of 9e-04 g, as both the mean, minimum, and maximum recorded seed masses are identical at this value.

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Aug

Fruit length max:

0.35 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.3 cm

Fruit length min:

0.25 cm

Seed mass mean:

9e-04 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Tanacetum cinerariifolium has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower, leaf.

Flower

1. BMC genomics

Leaf

1. BMC genomics

Chemicals

Tanacetum cinerariifolium has 16 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Pyrethrins, (+)-Sesamin, Ash, CALCIUM, Chrysanin.

Pyrethrins

1. TAG. Theoretical and applied genetics. Theoretische und angewandte Genetik
2. International journal of radiation biology

(+)-Sesamin

1. Dr. Duke

Ash

1. Dr. Duke

CALCIUM

1. Dr. Duke

Chrysanin

1. Dr. Duke

Chrysanolide

1. Dr. Duke

FAT

1. Dr. Duke

PHOSPHORUS

1. Dr. Duke

PYRETHRUM

1. Veterinary research communications

Pyrethric acid

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Tanacetum cinerariifolium has 74 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker, AntiPMS, Antiallergic, Antialzheimeran.

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker

1. Dr. Duke

AntiPMS

1. Dr. Duke

Antiallergic

1. Dr. Duke

Antialzheimeran

1. Dr. Duke

Antianxiety

1. Dr. Duke

Antiarrhythmic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiarthritic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiatherosclerotic

1. Dr. Duke

Antichoreic

1. Dr. Duke