Chrysanthemum

The chrysanthemum is a flowering perennial plant of the genus Chrysanthemum in the daisy family (Asteraceae). A second genus, Dendranthema, was created for the plants popularly known as chrysanthemums, but this has now been merged back into the genus Chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums were cultivated in China for about 1,000 years before being introduced to Japan in AD 400, and then to England in 1795. The origin of the name is from the Greek prefix chrys-, which means golden, the colour of the original flowers, although other colours such as white and red are now available.

The flowers occur in various forms, and can be daisy-like, decorative, pompons or buttons.

See also: Chrysanthemum Throne