Chamomile -- this bi-weekly's featured Herb --From the desk of Tomas Hood-- Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile, Matricaria recutita [Compositae]): camomile, German Camomile, Roman Chamomile. DESCRIPTION Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is not the same as German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita). C. nobile is a low-growing green perenial. M. recutita is a large, tall and erect annual. They do share a common fragrence, an apple-like auroma (hence the Greek version of the Chamomile name, meaning "ground apple"). Flowers are daisy-like, yellow centers, white rays. Good auroma. Leaves are feather-like, alternating and divided into thread-like segments covered with a fuzz. The fruit from C. nobile is three-angled achene, and the M. recutita is five-ribbed achene. C. nobile grows to about 9 inches. M. recutita grows 2 to 3 feet in height. ORIGIN The soil....the seed? (grin)... (I just wondered how many of you read this!) Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Naturalized into North America. Historical uses: In ancient Egypt, it was used to cure agues, malarial chills that plagued the ancient world. Other cultures used it as hair rinses, headache treatments, and other such aids. You will even find Peter Rabbit's mother giving him some... CULTIVATION The plant likes light, dry soil. Perhaps even sandy. Soil pH between 6.7 and 7. It needs Full sun. USES Medicinal: The medicinal qualities are derived from a volatile oil from the flowers. The oil extracts are anti-inflammatories, antispasmodics, and anti-infectives. One thing modern research has determined is that the tea made from the herb doesn't have a great amount of the oil. Some still believe that the tea, used over a long period of time, will work, though. Aromatic: Use it in potpourris. The apple-like fragrance is a great addition. Ornamental: Easy additions to any landscape. The frangrance adds to the daisy-like plant. Any moist climate is home for the hardy plant. Cosmetic: Use in hair rinses.