See text Calendula (/k?'l?ndju?l?/) is a genus of about 15–20 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae that are often known as marigolds.: 771 They are native to southwestern Asia western Europe Macaronesia and the Mediterranean. Other plants known as marigolds include corn marigold desert marigold marsh marigold and plants of the genus Tagetes. The genus name Calendula is a modern Latin diminutive of calendae meaning "little calendar" "little clock" or possibly "little weather-glass". The common name "marigold" refers to the Virgin Mary. The most commonly cultivated and used member of the genus is Calendula officinalis the pot marigold. Popular herbal and cosmetic products named "Calendula" invariably derive from C. officinalis.