Anthemideae

Anthemideae is a tribe of flowering plants within the family Asteraceae, in the subfamily Asteroideae. It is a diverse group of mostly herbaceous perennials and shrubs distributed across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with many species adapted to Mediterranean climates. The tribe includes several well-known genera such as Achillea, Artemisia, Anthemis, Matricaria, Chamomilla, Leucanthemum, Chrysanthemum, Dendranthema, Pyrethrum, and Tanacetum.

Members of Anthemideae are typically aromatic, with leaves that are often finely divided. The inflorescences are heads (capitula) that can be discoid or radiate and usually contain a combination of ray and disk florets, surrounded by a set of involucral bracts. The fruit is a cypsela, commonly with a pappus of bristles or scales that facilitates wind dispersal. The tribe displays considerable morphological diversity, contributing to a wide range of growth habits and appearances across different genera.

Ecology and uses: Anthemideae species are important for pollinators in many ecosystems. Several genera are cultivated as ornamentals, including Chrysanthemum, Leucanthemum, and various Tanacetum species. Practical and medicinal uses are notable: Matricaria chamomile and Chamomilla recutita are valued for tea and essential oils, Artemisia annua provides artemisinin for malaria treatment, and Pyrethrum cinerariifolium yields natural insecticides. Some species also play roles in traditional medicine and flavorings.

Taxonomy and phylogeny: Anthemideae has undergone revisions due to molecular phylogenetics, leading to adjustments in genus circumscription and relationships within the tribe. Notable changes have affected the placement of Chrysanthemum and Dendranthema and the delimitation of subgroups, reflecting ongoing efforts to clarify evolutionary relationships while retaining a coherent diagnostic framework for the tribe.