Butter daisy
Melampodium divaricatum

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows each year from seed. The leaves are bright green. They are arranged opposite and are 6-10 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. The edges are irregular. The flowers are small and daisy like and 3 cm across. They occur singly on stalks 2-3 cm long. These are in the axils of leaves.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Dominican Republic, India, Mexico, Myanmar, North America, SE Asia, USA, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The flower petals are used as a source of carotenoids for the food industry.

Edible parts

Flower petals

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Escutumbuy, Kantum bom, Kopal xiiw, Million gold melampodium

Synonyms

Dysodium divaricatum; Melampodium paludosum;