Today in the Flower Parade, a flower with a somewhat controversial name, at least in Winterswijk.
I'm talking about the Afrikaantje (or Tagetes).
In Winterswijk people do not want the Afrikaantje to be called that (because of the current political situation).
I've known this flower all my life, like most people I think.

The Afrikaantje has been out of fashion for a while, but seems to be making its advance again.
The name (as Wikipedia tells me) has nothing to do with the origin of the flower: it comes from Central America and Mexico.
The Latin name, Tachetes, has its origin in Africa.
Many Afrikaans are annuals, but there are also perennials of them.

Africans are sun worshippers, so when you plant them in the sun they often bloom throughout the summer.
The plants spread a scent, which is why in some regions they are called smells.
If you remove the faded flowers, they will bloom longer.

I was told once that Africans would help fight ants in your garden.
I can't say for sure if this works, I don't have the plants myself in the garden, I took the picture with my father.
The most common color Afrikaantje is yellow, but they are now available in many colors!

#flowerparade #afrikaantje #tagetes #ouderwets #mode #eenjarigen