Chrysanthemum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chrysanthemum |
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| A cluster of chrysanthemums | |
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Chrysanthemum
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Chrysanthemum aphrodite |
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Chrysanthemums, often called mums or chrysanths, are a genus (Chrysanthemum) of about 30 species of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to Asia and northeastern Europe.
History
Chrysanthemums were first cultivated in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BC. An ancient Chinese city (Xiaolan Town of Zhongshan City) was named Ju-Xian, meaning "chrysanthemum city".
The flower was introduced into Japan probably in the 8th century AD, and the Emperor adopted the flower as his official seal. There is a "Festival of Happiness" in Japan that celebrates the flower.
Modern chrysanthemums are much more showy than their wild relatives. The flowers occur in various forms, and can be daisy-like, decorative, pompons or buttons. In addition to the traditional yellow, other colors are available, such as white, purple, and red. Chrysanthemum blooms are composed of many individual flowers (florets), each one capable of producing a seed. The disk florets are in the center of the bloom head, and the ray florets are on the perimeter.
Yellow or white chrysanthemum flowers are boiled to make a sweet drink in some parts of Asia. The resulting beverage is known simply as "chrysanthemum tea". Chrysanthemum tea has many medicinal uses, including an aid in recovery from influenza. Chrysanthemum leaves are steamed or boiled and used as greens, especially in Chinese cuisine.
Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum [or Tanacetum] cinerariaefolium) is economically important as a natural source of insecticide. The flowers are pulverized, and the active components called pyrethrins, contained in the seed cases, are extracted. They are considered to be among the safest insecticides for use around food.
Chrysanthemum plants have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution by the NASA Clean Air Study.
Cultural significance and symbolism
In some countries of Europe (e.g., France, Italy, Poland, Croatia), white chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are only used for funerals or on graves - similarly, in China, Japan and Korea, white chrysanthemums are symbolic of lamentation and/or grief. In some other countries, it represents honesty. In the United States, the flower is usually regarded as positive and cheerful.
Images for kids
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Pollen
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C. indicum
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Different colors of Chrysanthemum x morifolium
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Example of a Japanese bonsai chrysanthemum
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Ming dynasty red lacquerware dish with carved chrysanthemums and dragons
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The scabbard of a wakizashi with chrysanthemums painted using maki-e, a decoration technique of Japanese lacquerware. 18th century, Edo period.
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Outer Kimono for a Young Woman (Uchikake). Motif: Chrysanthemums and fences.
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Chrysanthemum crest on the battleship Mikasa
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Maki-e Sake Ewer with Chrysanthemums and Paulownia Crests in Alternating Fields. early 17th century, Azuchi–Momoyama period.
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Chrysanthemum shows have been traditionally held in many Japanese towns.
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"Hirakata Chrysanthemum Dolls Exhibition" (2005)
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Chrysanthemums in the Japanese Ogiku (lit., great chrysanthemum) style.
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Korean painting Chrysanthemums, Rock and Bird, 19th century
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Bud of a garden chrysanthemum
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Chrysanthemum × morifolium 'Tokyo'
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Purple Chrysanthemum
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pink Chrysanthemum × morifolium
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Red chrysanthemum
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Closeup view of White Chrysanthemum
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Chrysanthemum × morifolium 'Vesuvius'
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Chrysanthemum zawadskii
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Chrysanthemum indicum
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Chrysanthemum japonense var. ashizuriense
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Tiger Tail chrysanthemum
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Leaves of chrysanthemum plant
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A chrysanthemum show
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Yellow Chrysanthemum.
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Purple Chrysanthemum
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See also
In Spanish: Chrysanthemum para niños
