The compoundinflorescence is an array of severalflower heads, or sometimes a solitary head. The head has a base covered in layers ofphyllaries. The simple row of ray florets is white, yellow, or red. The disc florets are yellow.Pollen grains are approximately 34 microns.[citation needed]
The genusChrysanthemum was first formally described byLinnaeus in 1753, with 14species, and hence bears his name (L.) as thebotanical authority.[11] The genus once included more species, but was split several decades ago[when?] into several genera, putting the economically important florist's chrysanthemums in the genusDendranthema. The naming of these genera has been contentious, but a ruling of theInternational Botanical Congress in 1999 changed thedefining species of the genus toChrysanthemum indicum, restoring the florist's chrysanthemums to the genusChrysanthemum.[citation needed]
Chrysanthemums (Chinese:菊花;pinyin:Júhuā) were first cultivated in China as a floweringherb as far back as the 15th centuryBCE.[13] Over 500 cultivars had been recorded by 1630.[8] By 2014, it was estimated that there were over 20,000 cultivars in the world and about 7,000 cultivars in China.[14] The plant is renowned as one of theFour Gentlemen (四君子) inChinese andEast Asian Art. The plant is particularly significant during theDouble Ninth Festival.[citation needed]
Chrysanthemum cultivation in Japan began during theNara andHeian periods (early 8th to late 12th centuries) and gained popularity in theEdo period (early 17th to late 19th century). Many flower shapes, colours, and varieties were created. The way the flowers were grown and shaped also developed, and chrysanthemum culture flourished. Various cultivars of chrysanthemums created in the Edo period were characterized by a remarkable variety of flower shapes. They were exported to China from the end of the Edo period, changing the way Chinese chrysanthemum cultivars were grown and their popularity.[15][16] In addition, from theMeiji period (late 19th to early 20th century), many cultivars with flowers over 20 centimetres (7+7⁄8 in) in diameter, called theOgiku (lit., great chrysanthemum) style, were created, which influenced the subsequent trend of chrysanthemums.[15] Theimperial crest of Japan is a chrysanthemum, and the institution of the monarchy is also called theChrysanthemum Throne. A number of festivals and shows take place throughout Japan in autumn when the flowers bloom.Chrysanthemum Day (菊の節句,Kiku no Sekku) is one of the five ancient sacred festivals. It is celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th month. It was started in 910, when the imperial court held its first chrysanthemum show.[citation needed]
For horticultural purposes, allChrysanthemum cultivars are split into 13 divisions based upon flower form, a classification developed by the National Chrysanthemum Society (USA).[18][19]
C. indicumDifferent colors ofChrysanthemum x morifoliumExample of a Japanesechrysanthemum bonsai
Modern cultivated chrysanthemums are usually brighter and more striking than their wild relatives. Many horticultural specimens have been bred to bear many rows of ray florets in a great variety of colors. The flower heads occur in various forms, and can be daisy-like or decorative, likepompons orbuttons. This genus contains manyhybrids and thousands ofcultivars developed for horticultural purposes. In addition to the traditional yellow, other colors are available, such as white, purple, and red. The most important hybrid isChrysanthemum ×morifolium (syn.C. ×grandiflorum), derived primarily fromC. indicum, but also involving other species.[citation needed]
In Japan, a form ofchrysanthemum bonsai was developed over the centuries. The cultivated flower has a lifespan of about 5 years and can be kept in miniature size. A bonsai-like effect can also be created by using pieces of dead wood with the flower growing over the back along the wood, to give the illusion from the front that the a miniature tree blooms in chrysanthemums.
Yellow or white chrysanthemum flowers of the speciesC. morifolium are boiled to make a tea in some parts of East Asia. The resulting beverage is known simply aschrysanthemum tea (菊花茶,pinyin:júhuā chá, in Chinese). In Korea, arice wine flavored with chrysanthemum flowers is calledgukhwaju (국화주).
Chrysanthemum leaves are steamed or boiled and used as greens, especially in Chinese cuisine. The flowers may be added to dishes such asmixian in broth or thick snakemeat soup (蛇羹) to enhance the aroma. They are commonly used inhot pot and stir fries. In Japanese cuisine, small chrysanthemums are used as garnish forsashimi.
Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium orTanacetum cinerariaefolium) is economically important as a natural source ofinsecticide. The flowers are pulverized, and the active components, calledpyrethrins, which occur in theachenes, are extracted and sold in the form of anoleoresin. This is applied as a suspension in water or oil, or as a powder. Pyrethrins attack the nervous systems of allinsects, and inhibit femalemosquitoes from biting. In sublethal doses, they have aninsect repellent effect.[citation needed] They are harmful tofish, but are far less toxic tomammals andbirds than many synthetic insecticides. They are not persistent, beingbiodegradable, and alsodecompose easily on exposure to light.Pyrethroids such aspermethrin are synthetic insecticides based on natural pyrethrum. Despite this, chrysanthemum leaves are still a major host for destructive pests, such asleafminer flies includingL. trifolii.[21]
Persian powder is an example of industrial product of chrysanthemum insecticide.
In some European countries (e.g., France,Belgium, Italy, Spain,Poland,Hungary,Croatia), incurve chrysanthemums symbolizedeath and are used only for funerals or on graves, while other types carry no such symbolism;[citation needed] similarly, in China, Japan, andKorea of East Asia, white chrysanthemums symbolize adversity, lamentation, and/or grief. In some other countries, they represent honesty.[better source needed][23] In the United States, the flower is usually regarded as positive and cheerful,[24] with New Orleans as a notable exception.[25]
In theVictorianlanguage of flowers, the chrysanthemum had several meanings. The Chinese chrysanthemum meant cheerfulness, whereas the red chrysanthemum stood for "I Love", while the yellow chrysanthemum symbolized slighted love.[26] The chrysanthemum is also the flower of November.[27]
The chrysanthemum is the city flower ofBeijing andKaifeng. The tradition of cultivating different varieties of chrysanthemums stretches back 1600 years, and the scale reached a phenomenal level during the Song dynasty until its loss to theJürchens in 1126. The city has held the Kaifeng Chrysanthemum Cultural Festival since 1983 (renamed China Kaifeng Chrysanthemum Cultural Festival in 1994). The event is the largest chrysanthemum festival in China; it has been a yearly feature since, taking place between 18 October and 18 November every year.[28]
The chrysanthemum is one of the "Four Gentlemen" (四君子) of China (the others being theplum blossom, theorchid, andbamboo). The chrysanthemum is said to have been favored byTao Qian, an influential Chinese poet, and is symbolic of nobility. It is also one of the four symbolic seasonal flowers.
In Chinese culture, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of autumn and the flower of the ninth moon. People even drank chrysanthemum wine on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month to prolong their lives during the Han dynasty. It is a symbol of longevity because of its health-giving properties.[32] Because of all of this, the flower was often worn on funeral attire.
Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China listed two kinds of chrysanthemum for medical use, Yejuhua and Juhua. Historically Yejuhua is said to treat carbuncle, furuncle, conjunctivitis, headache, and vertigo. Juhua is said to treat cold, headache, vertigo, and conjunctivitis.[33]
Chrysanthemums first arrived in Japan by way of China in the 5th century. The chrysanthemum has been used as a theme ofwaka (Japanese traditional poetry) since around the 10th century in theHeian period, andKokin Wakashū is the most famous of them. In the 12th century, during theKamakura period, when the retiredEmperor Go-Toba adopted it as themon (family crest) of theImperial family, it became a flower that symbolized autumn in Japan. During theEdo period from the 17th century to the 19th century, due to the development of economy and culture, the cultivation of chrysanthemums,cherry blossoms,Japanese iris,morning glory, etc. became popular, many cultivars were created and manychrysanthemum exhibitions were held. From theMeiji period in the latter half of the 19th century, due to the growing importance of the chrysanthemum, which symbolized the Imperial family, the creation ofogiku style cultivars with a diameter of 20 cm or more became popular.[34][15][35]
In the present day, each autumn there are chrysanthemum exhibitions at theShinjuku Gyo-en,Meiji Shrine andYasukuni Shrine inTokyo. The Yasukuni Shrine, formerly a state-endowed shrine (官国弊社,kankokuheisha) has adopted the chrysanthemum crest.[36] Culinary-grade chrysanthemums are used to decorate food, and they remain a common motif for traditionalJapanese arts likeporcelain,lacquerware andkimono.[34]
Chrysanthemum growing is still practised actively as a hobby by manyJapanese people who enter prize plants in contests.[34] Chrysanthemum "dolls", often depicting fictional characters from both traditional sources likekabuki and contemporary sources like Disney, are displayed throughout the fall months, and the city ofNihonmatsu hosts the "Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Dolls Exhibition" every autumn in historical ruin ofNihonmatsu Castle.[37] They are also grown intochrysanthemum bonsai forms.
In Japan, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of theEmperor and theImperial family. In particular, a "chrysanthemum crest" (菊花紋章,kikukamonshō or kikkamonshō), i.e. amon of chrysanthemum blossom design, indicates a link to the Emperor; there are more than 150 patterns of this design. Notable uses of and reference to the Imperial chrysanthemum include:
Theimperial crest of Japan is used by members of the Japanese imperial family. In 1869, a two-layered, 16-petal design was designated as the symbol of the emperor. Princes used a simpler, single-layer pattern.[38]
TheChrysanthemum Throne is the name given to the position of Japanese Emperor and the throne.
In Imperial Japan, small arms were required to be stamped with the imperial chrysanthemum, as they were considered the personal property of the emperor.[39]
TheNagoya Castle Chrysanthemum Competition started after the end of the Pacific War. The event at the castle has become a tradition for the city. With three categories, it is one of the largest events of its kind in the region by both scale and content. The first category is the exhibition of cultivated flowers. The second category is forbonsai flowers, which are combined with dead pieces of wood to give the illusion of miniature trees. The third category is the creation of miniature landscapes.
The flower is found extensively in inlaidGoreyo ware and were reproduced in stamp form inBuncheong wares. Several twentieth century potters, especially Kim Se-yong, created double-wall wares featuring each individual petal painted in white clay against aceladon background. A vase produced using this technique and presented in 1999 toQueen Elizabeth II can be found in theRoyal Collection.[40]
Laying a wreath of white chrysanthemums to mourn at funerals has been common since the early 20th century. Before the 20th century, white clothing was traditionally worn in funeral settings. However, the introduction of Western culture made black the prevalent color. White chrysanthemums were instead used to preserve the tradition of using white to mourn at funerals.[41]
In Iran, chrysanthemums are associated with the Zoroastrian spiritual being Ashi Vanghuhi (lit. 'good blessings, rewards'), a female Yazad (angel) presiding over blessings.[42]
In Australia, on Mother's Day, which falls in May when the flower is in season, people traditionally wear a white chrysanthemum, or a similar white flower to honour their mothers. Chrysanthemums are often given as Mother's Day presents.[43]
On 5 and 6 November 1883, in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), at the request of the Florists and Growers Society, held its first Chrysanthemum Show in Horticultural Hall. This would be the first of several chrysanthemum events presented by PHS to the public.
The founding of the chrysanthemum industry dates back to 1884, when the Enomoto brothers ofRedwood City, California, grew the first chrysanthemums cultivated in America.[44]
In 1913, Sadakasu Enomoto (of San Mateo County) astounded the flower world by successfully shipping a carload of Turner chrysanthemums to New Orleans for the All Saints Day Celebration.[44]
The chrysanthemum was recognized as the official flower of the city ofChicago by MayorRichard J. Daley in 1966.[45]
Italian composerGiacomo Puccini wroteCrisantemi (1890), a movement for string quartet, in memory of his friendAmedeo di Savoia Duca d'Aosta. InItaly (and other European countries) the chrysanthemum is the flower that people traditionally bring to their deceased loved ones at thecemetery and is generally associated with mourning. A probable reason for this is the fact that the plant flowers between the end of October and the beginning of November, coinciding with theDay of the Dead (2 November).
^2010年03月27日星期六 二月十二庚寅(虎)年."国学365-中国历代菊花诗365首". Guoxue.com. Retrieved27 March 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
^Chao, E. (2009).Niubi: the real Chinese you were never taught in school. Plume.
^"Chinese Symbols." The British Museum, 2008. Accessed 4 October 2017.
^Tang, Weici; Eisenbrand, Gerhard (1992).Chinese Drugs of Plant Origin: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Use in Traditional and Modern Medicine. Springer Berlin / Heidelberg. p. 302.ISBN978-3-642-73739-8.
^abcBuckley, Sandra (2002).Encyclopedia of Contemporary Japanese Culture. Routledge.
^LOVE OF FLOWERS. "Sketches of Japanese manners and customs" Jacob Mortimer Wier Silver, 1867
^Inoue, Nobutaka (2 June 2005)."Shinmon".Encyclopedia of Shinto. Retrieved17 November 2008.
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Carvalho, S. M. P.; Abi-Tarabay, H.; Heuvelink, E. (January 2005). "Temperature affects Chrysanthemum flower characteristics differently during three phases of the cultivation period".The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology.80 (2):209–216.Bibcode:2005JHSB...80..209C.doi:10.1080/14620316.2005.11511919.S2CID86353882.
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