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Common name: White chrysanthemum, Gul dawoodi गुले दाऊदी (Urdu), Chandramukhi (Manipuri)
Botanical name: Dendranthema X grandiflorum Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
Before the white chrysanthemum
the scissors hesitate
a moment. (Haiku by Yosa Buson)
The beauty of white chrysanthemum doesn't need any introduction.
The chrysanthemum, also known as the mum, is a flowering perennial plant of
the genus Chrysanthemum in the Sunflower family (Asteraceae) The genus has been
split into several genera, such as Dendranthema, Leucanthemum and Tanacetum.
But there is a growing consensus to merge back Dendranthema into
Chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums were cultivated in China as a flowering herb as
far back as the 15th century BCE. An ancient Chinese city was named Chu-Hsien,
meaning "chrysanthemum city". The flower was introduced into Japan probably in
the 8th century CE, and the Emperor adopted the flower as his official seal.
There is a "Festival of Happiness" in Japan that celebrates the flower.
Mythology: Some countries (such as Malta) think it is unlucky to have the
flower indoors. It is associated with funerals and All Saints Day.
Medicinal: Feng Shui adherents believe the chrysanthemum brings laughter and
happiness to your home.
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