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ChrysanthemumπΈ
Chrysanthemum morifolium
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A perennial herb native to China, introduced to Japan during the Nara period. As one of Japan's unofficial national flowers, it is used in the Imperial family crest and has been depicted in poetry, paintings, and crafts since ancient times. At the Chrysanthemum Festival (Choyo no Sekku) in autumn, there is a custom of drinking chrysanthemum sake. Uses range from Buddhist offerings and edible chrysanthemums to cut flowers and bonsai.
Identification Points
- βCapitula bloom in autumn with ray florets around the margin and disc florets in the center
- βLeaves are deeply lobed with grayish-white hairs on the underside
- βDistinctive chrysanthemum fragrance
- βHeight, flower size, and color vary greatly by cultivar
- βPerennial forming clumps
Habitat
Flower beds, parks, fields (edible chrysanthemum), and temple/shrine grounds
Season
OctoberβNovember (autumn chrysanthemum peak season)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Pinnate
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf shape
Ovate
Growth form
Herb
Petal count
5 petals
Petal fusion
Fused
Flowering season
Autumn
Habitat
Cultivated
Ovary position
Inferior
Stamen count
1-2
Phylogenetic Positionγγ―η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core eudicots > Asterales > Asteraceae
Divergence Era
Late Cretaceous to Paleogene (approx. 80β70 million years ago)
Evolution Notes
The capitulum (flower head) of Asteraceae is a pseudanthium of numerous small florets, an advanced evolutionary trait that increases pollination efficiency by insects. Chrysanthemum is believed to have originated from hybrids across Asia and Europe.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification