Chrysanthemum is also known as “queen of the east”. The word is composed of two Latin words viz. “Chrysos” means gold and “Anthemon” means flower. It is also known as Glory of the East. It is one of the most exciting and widely cultivated flowers that can be grown in gardens as well as commercially, produce profuse and showy flowers with a wide variety of ranges of color, shape, sizes and has emerged as the most domesticated plants where it is highly regarded and priced by the people all over the world. It is generally grown as a potted plant, cut flower, loose flower and as an edge around the trees. There are various ways where the chrysanthemum flowers including the whole plant can be used. Some of the ways are:

Chrysanthemum for flowering purpose

Chrysanthemum flowers can be grown in pots, as loose flowers and as cut flowers also. But it is highly cultivated as pot and bedding purposes. The flowers look very effective when grown in shrubbery, mounds, and as borders in the gardens. As a cut flower, it has longevity of about 7 to 10 days in vases.

Chrysanthemum for Culinary Purposes

Chrysanthemum Tea is a beverage where white flowers are boiled and tea is prepared. As a Chinese cuisine, the leaves are boiled and used as greens. The flower petals are also mixed with some of the soups to enhance aroma.

Chrysanthemum for Insecticidal Purposes

Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, commonly known as Pyrethrum has insecticidal properties and is also economically important. The active component of this species is Pyrethrin, which is extracted from seeds and sold in the market as botanical insecticides. This insecticide is used as a suspension or oil or in powdered form and used against insects, mosquitoes, but are harmful to fish.

Environmental Uses of the plant

The plant is also used to control indoor pollution.

The flower as a symbol

Chrysanthemum flower has different meanings in various countries. In USA, the flower symbolizes positivity and cheerfulness while in Japan and Korea, the same is presented in the form of expressing grief. In European countries, only the incurved flowers are used on funerals or graves.

Indoor Gardening by Chrysanthemum

There are two types of chrysanthemum: Garden and Floral. The floral chrysanthemum is useful for indoor planting to brighten the wall.

Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum is common name for Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, which has insecticidal properties and is also sold in the market under the same name as an oleoresin. The insecticide, as a broad spectrum insecticide is used against all types of insects including beneficial ones as well as mosquitoes in various forms viz. suspension in oil or water, or in powdered form. The active ingredient Pyrethrin, attacks the nervous system of insects, and inhibits their further growth. The compound does not persist in the environment for long as it degrades during heat and Ultraviolet light. It comes under botanical insecticides.