My botanical journey with Matricaria discoidea.

Abstract

In summary, Matricaria discoidea can establish itself in disturbed sites undesirable for other plants to grow, or where other plants are unable to grow. It does not handle competition from other invasives well, and does not establish farther in from roadsides. M. discoidea handles stress from vehicles and other activities better than competition from other species. M. discoidea relies on man and nature for seed dispersal. Appendix I shows the list of associate species at each site. Clearly, M discoidea grows well or at least frequently with Plantago major, which has been browsed at every site. Perhaps some natural products, such as certain polyacetylenes, protect M. discoidea from browsing. Most members of the tribe Anthemidae contain some secondary chemcials that have defensive properties-such as insecticidal activity. While these secondary chemicals protect Matricaria discoidea from browsing, it does not protect it from being out-competed by rival invasives.