Anthemis aetnensis

Anthemis aetnensis

Etna chamomile (Anthemis aetnensis (Spreng., 1826) Schouw) is a herbaceous species belonging to the Asteraceae family.

Systematics –
Domain Eukaryota,
Kingdom Plantae,
Division Magnoliophyta,
Class Magnoliopsida,
Order Asterales,
Family Asteraceae,
Subfamily Asteroideae,
Tribe Anthemideae,
Genus Anthemis,
Species A. aetnensis.
Synonyms include:
– Anthemis montana L. subsp. aetnensis (Spreng.) Briq. & Cavill.;
– Anthemis montana L., nom. Illeg.

Etymology –
The term Anthemis comes from the Greek ἀνθεμίς anthemís (derived from ἄνθεμον ánthemon fiore), a name used by Dioscorides for chamomile, referring to its abundant flowering.
The epithet aetnensis comes from Aetna Etna, a volcano in Sicily in the province of Catania: on the slopes of Mount Etna.

Geographic Distribution and Habitat –
Anthemis aetnensis is a species endemic to Sicily belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is found exclusively along the slopes of Mount Etna, where it colonizes soils composed of sand and volcanic debris.
It grows mainly between 1,700 and 2,900 meters above sea level, although it can be found above 3,000 meters. It prefers open, rocky environments, particularly exposed to the wind. Thanks to its deep root system, it can tolerate the harsh climatic conditions typical of the volcano’s high altitudes, often forming dense meadows on volcanic substrates.

Description –
Anthemis aetnensis is a subshrub-like perennial, generally between 10 and 30 cm tall. It has a woody stem at the base, heavily branched, which gives the adult plant a shrubby appearance and a characteristic bushy shape, roughly hemispherical or rounded.
The basal leaves are deeply incised up to the midrib (pinnate) and approximately 2–3 cm long; the upper leaves are smaller, fleshy, and covered with gray-tomentose hairs with a fluffy appearance.
The inflorescences consist of solitary terminal flower heads approximately 2–2.5 cm in diameter. The peripheral flowers are ligulate and white, while the central ones are tubular and characteristically yellow-orange. The overall appearance resembles that of the common daisy.
Flowering occurs in July and August.

Cultivation –
Anthemis aetnensis is adapted to the rich volcanic soils of Mount Etna and requires conditions similar to those of its natural habitat.
This plant prefers well-drained, sandy or volcanic soils, sunny exposures, and open, ventilated environments.
The plant requires moderate watering: it prefers constant humidity but tolerates short periods of drought thanks to its hardy nature. When growing, it is advisable to water about once a week, avoiding both excessive dryness and waterlogging. Grown outdoors, it benefits from natural rainfall, but during long periods of drought, it may require supplemental watering.

Uses and Traditions –
In folk medicine, Anthemis aetnensis is valued for its medicinal properties. It is traditionally used to help lower body temperature, relieve symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism, and reduce various types of pain, including headaches.
The plant also produces an oil with calming and relaxing properties, used to treat certain skin conditions and to promote mental and physical well-being in situations of fatigue and stress.
Symbolically, Etna chamomile represents tranquility, calmness, and strength, qualities that reflect its ability to thrive in the harsh environment of Etna’s high altitudes.

Preparation or Use –
In popular tradition, the plant is primarily used in herbal remedies to relieve pain, fever, and rheumatic ailments.
The oil extracted from the plant is used externally for its calming, relaxing, and soothing properties on the skin. It is also appreciated for its relaxing and anti-stress effects.
The sources provided do not provide detailed information on preparation techniques (infusions, decoctions, or other specific methods), but they document the traditional use of the species for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Guido Bissanti

Sources
– Acta Plantarum – Flora of the Italian Regions.
– Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
– GBIF, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
– Useful Tropical Plants Database.
– Conti F., Abbate G., Alessandrini A., Blasi C. (eds.), 2005. An annotated checklist of the Italian vascular flora, Palombi Editore.
– Pignatti S., 1982. Flora d’Italia, Edagricole, Bologna.
– Treben M., 2000. Health from the Lord’s Pharmacy: Advice and Experiences with Medicinal Herbs, Ennsthaler Editore.

Photo source:
– https://www.actaplantarum.org/galleria_flora/galleria1.php?id=4475

Warning: The pharmaceutical applications and dietary uses are provided for informational purposes only and do not in any way constitute medical prescriptions. We therefore decline any responsibility for their use for curative, aesthetic, or nutritional purposes.