Chrysanthemum, sometimes known as Chrysanths, or Mums is one of the most popular flowers in the world, next only to the Rose.
The name Chrysanthemum, originates from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower). They are tropical flowers, native to Asia and Northeastern Europe. This means you cannot find them in Singapore and they are imported here.
Let us share 5 interesting facts about this beautiful flower with you today!
- Chrysanthemums have many different meanings
Depending on where you are in the world, mums have very different meanings. For example, in most parts of the United States, they symbolise joy and optimism. This flower has also been used as the crest of The Emperor for over 1200 years in Japan. They even celebrate National Chrysanthemum Day, which is also known as the Festival of Happiness, every year on the 9th September. However in some Asian and European countries, mums are closely associated with death, and are often given at funerals or placed at graves to honour the dead.
Chrysanthemums are versatile and used in various occasions. In Singapore they are used for celebratory occasions and not-so-celebratory ones like funerals. In fact, funerals in Singapore use mainly only Chrysanthemums.
- There are thousands of Chrysanthemum varieties
Even though gold is a common and popular colour for Chrysanthemums, it’s not your only option. There are thousands of varieties, such as yellow, white, red, orange, and purple. You can also find different flower forms like anemone, spider, quilled, and pompon variations.
- Chrysanthemums were first grown in China
Chrysanthemums have been around for a very long time. They were originally cultivated in China, and were first recorded in writing in the 15th century BC (about 3000 years ago!). It’s one of the “Four Gentlemen” in China (the others being the plum blossom, orchid and bamboo). All four plants were widely used in poets and paintings, and are thought to represent the four seasons and human virtues (with Chrysanthemums representing Fall and Nobility).
- Chrysanthemums are actually edible
Chrysanthemum tea is a popular drink brewed with the flowers from the plant. It is especially popular in China, and is made with the dried flower head. However, the leaves are also edible, and can be added to salads or cooked like other greens. They have also been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is commonly taken to relieve head congestion and strengthen the lungs. Chrysanthemum tea is a widely consumed drink in Singapore that is believed to help with the "cooling of the body".
- Chemicals from the plant are used as insecticides
Chrysanthemums contain a chemical called pyrethrum, which naturally helps to repel pesky bugs such as mosquitoes. Unfortunately, planting a couple of Chrysanthemums won’t free you of mosquitoes, but oil extracted from the flowers of certain species has been used in insecticides for centuries. Look for pyrethrum in the list of ingredients of your bug spray; it’s one of the most popular ingredients in natural insect repellents.
Hope this article has been informational to you!