Huacatay (Black Mint)

spice

Tagetes minuta is a tall upright marigold type of plant from the genus Tagetes, with small flowers, native to the south western half of South America. Since Spanish colonization, it has been introduced around the world, and has become naturalized in Europe, Asia, Australasia, North America, and Africa. Tagetes minuta has numerous local names that vary by region. In the Andes it is known as Huacatay or Wacatay, and in other regions it is common as chinchilla, chiquilla, chilca, zuico, suico, or anisillo. Other names include Muster John Henry, southern marigold, khakibos, stinking roger, wild marigold, and black mint. It is called the Quechua terms huacatay in Peru or wakataya in Bolivia.