C. carinatum - tricolor daisy C. cinerariifolium - pyrethrum C. coccineum - pyrethum daisy C. coronarium - crown daisy C. frutescens - marguerite C. majus - daisy C. X morifolium - florist's chrysanthemum C. segetum - corndaisy
The chrysanthemum, also known as the mum, is a flowering perennialplant of the genusChrysanthemum in the daisyfamily (China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BCE. An ancient Chinese city was named Chu-Hsien, meaning "chrysanthemum city". The flower was introduced into Japan probably in the 8th century CE, and the Emperor adopted the flower as his official seal. There is a "Festival of Happiness" in Japan that celebrates the flower.
The flower was brought to the Western World in the 17th century. It was named by Greek prefix chrys-, which means golden (the colour of the original flowers), and -anthemon, meaning flower.
Chrysanthemums can be yellow, white, or even bright red, such as these.
Modern Chrysanthemums are much more showy than their ancient relatives. The flowers occur in various forms, and can be daisy-like, decorative, pompons or buttons. This genus contains many hybrids developed for horticultural purposes. In addition to the traditional yellow, other colours are available, such as white, purple, and red.
In some counties of Europe, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are only used for funerals or on graves. In the United States, the flower is usually seen as more positive and cheerful.
Chrysanthemums are boiled to make a sweet drink in some parts of Asia. The resulting beverage is known simply as "chrysanthemum tea".
This genus has been split into several genera, such as Dendranthema, Leucanthemum and Tanacetum. But there is a growing consensus to merge back Dendranthema into Chrysanthemum.
The first chrysanthemum in England was grown at Kew in 1790, whither it had been sent by Mr Cels, a French gardener.
The small-flowered pompons, and the grotesque-flowered Japanese sorts, are of comparatively recent date, the former having originated from the Chusan daisy, a variety introduced by Mr Fortune in 1846, and the latter having also been introduced by the same traveller about 1862.
The chrysanthemum is subject to the attack of fl aphis and green-fly.
Chrysanthemum White Rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia horiana P. Henn., is a quarantine significant pest in the United States (Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 319.37-2).
Importation of Chrysanthemumspecies are prohibited from several countries, territories, and possessions due to the potential of this organism to be transported with prohibited articles of Chrysanthemum.
Chrysanthemum white rust may be recognized by the small white to yellow spots, up to 4 mm wide, on the upper surface of the leaf.
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