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Aaronsonia pubescens (Dasf.) K.
Bremer & Humphries
Compositae (Asteraceae)
Aaronsonia pubescens (Dasf.) K. Bremer
& Humphries
Matricaria pubescens (Desf.) Schultz.
Matricaria: from the Latin matrice, the uterus, corresponding to the herba matricaria, a plant that
eases menstrual pain; pubescens: hairy
Arabic: ouazouaza
Targui: ainesnis
English: hairy camomile
French: amomille pubescente
Compiled by Dr. Salima Benhouhou
Morphological description
A small annual plant, 10-20 cm. high, rarely
reaching 40 cm., with numerous prostrate stems,
that become erect. The thin dark green stems are
only very slightly ramified.
The deeply dissected leaves, with each lobe ending
in a white tip, are slightly fleshy and are between
10 and 20 mm. long.
The tubular yellow flowers are grouped in hemispherical discoid heads. The flower heads are about
5-8 mm. in diameter and are set at the ends of the
stems. The fruits are achenes with a small membranous pappus to help dispersal.
The entire plant has a very agreeable scent.
Flowering takes place in spring in the northern
Algerian Sahara, and any time after rain in the
central Algerian Sahara.
endemic species falls into the "E" category.
A much appreciated herb, it is under strong pressure from over-collection. Immediate measures for
its conservation should be taken (collection of seeds
for nurseries). So far there is no data on its propagation and conservation.
Pharmacological action and
toxicity
It has antiseptic properties. It is not reported as
toxic by nomads.
Ecology
Matricaria pubescens thrives in desert conditions
with an average 100 mm. rainfall a year. It is always
found in non-saline wadis and favours sand-loamy
soils and is occasionally found on gravelly-sandy
soils.
Status
According to the IUCN criteria this North-African
Pharmacopeias
Not relevant for this species.
Constituents
No data has been found for the plant’s active
chemical constituents.
Geographical distribution
Local: Common in the Algerian Sahara.
Regional: North Africa.
Global: This camomile is endemic to North Africa.
Part used
The whole plant is collected fresh in spring, and
sold in the market in several oases in the south
(Béchar, Djanet, El Golea). It is prepared as an infusion or powder and used internally.
Pharmaceutical products
Not relevant for this species.
Traditional medicine and local
knowledge
It is used for gastro-intestinal troubles and calculus,
and is a much appreciated medicinal herb.
The crushed stems and leaves are used as a filter
for goat’s butter, giving a nice aroma to the butter
and helping to conserve it. It is also added to the
A Guide to Medicinal Plants in North Africa
7
traditional soup and gives the food a very nice smell.
In Morocco, in the Tafilalet and in Fès, a decoction of
Matricaria pubescens poured into the ear is recommended for otitis. A massage with the oleum helps
for rheumatism, neuralgia and sciatica.
References
General references
Bellakhdar, J., 1997. La pharmacopée marocaine
traditionnelle. Médecine arabe ancienne et
savoirs populaires. IBIS Press. 764 p.
Benhouhou, S.S. & Saadoun, N., 1986. Contribution à
l'étude de la flore de la région de Béni-Abbès.
Undergraduate thesis. University of Algiers. 241 p.
8
A Guide to Medicinal Plants in North Africa
Bounaga, N. & Brac de la Perriere, R.A., 1989. Les
ressources phytogénétiques du Sahara. Ann.
Inst. Nat. Agro. El Harrach, Vol. 12 (1). pp. 7994.
Ozenda, P., 2004. Flore et végétation du Sahara. Ed.
CNRS, Paris. 662 p.
Quézel, P. & Santa, S., 1962-1963. Nouvelle Flore de
l'Algérie et des régions désertiques méridionales. CNRS, Paris, 2 vol. 1170 p.
Sitouh, M., 1989. Les plantes utiles du Sahara. Ann.
Inst. Nat. Agro. El Harrach, Alger, vol. 13, n°2.
pp. 583-658.