User:Jdechi33/sandbox

Overview
Chrysanthemum morii is a perennial flower native of eastern Asia. It is believed that chrysanthemums were brought over to Japan by Buddhist monks from China sometime around the 400 A.D., and prior to that they originated from the Eurasia region. The name comes from the Greek words "Chrys" which means golden and was also the original color the flowers bloomed as, and "anthemon" meaning flower. They have a significant meaning about them which makes them a favorite of florists. Other than as decorations, the flowers have been proven to have medicinal purposes as well as culinary ones.

Description
Chrysanthemum morri are perennial, with creeping rhizomes. The stems are ascending with few silky hair covered branches and smooth stem leaves. The leaf blade is broadly ovate to obovate. Leaves are oriented abaxially. Each flower head is a cluster of many flowers which are organized around a central pod of short round flowers that are surrounded by rings of longer ray flowers. Chrysanthemums are separated into nine categories according to the type and arrangement of disk and ray flowers - Incurved, Reflexed, Intermediate, Late Flowering Anemones, Singles, Pompons, Sprays, Spiders/Spoons/Quills, Charms and Cascades.

Habitat
Chrysanthemum morri is naturally found in east Asia, particularly in Japan, China, and Korea. The plants grow best in the warm climates of eastern Asia. They like a lot of sun as well as a soil that retains moisture such as clay or a clayey loam. The flowers bloom during the fall months which makes them a favorite for decorating around the house for the holidays. Though chrysanthemums are found naturally in warmer climates, they have proven to be hearty enough to with stand colder temperatures for extended periods of time if maintained properly.

Pests and Disease
Chrysanthemum morri is susceptible to a host of diseases and pest. Leaf spot is a type of fungus that causes the leaves to blacken, wither up, and die. Foliar nematodes are also known to cause damage to the plants as well. Symptoms are spotted, yellowing, and shriveling leaves. There are many more pests and disease that effect the plant. These include other fungal, viral, and bacterial infections, as well as pests such as mites and insects and some larger animals.

Medical
Chrysanthemum morri is used to treat chest pain (angina), high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, fever, cold, headache, dizziness, and swelling. In combination with other herbs, chrysanthemum is also used to treat prostate cancer.

Culinary
As a beverage, chrysanthemum morri is very popular as a summertime tea in southern China. It is very soothing an relaxing. The greens are also cooked and eaten in various Asian countries.

Toxins
The Chrysanthemum morri plant is toxic if any part is ingested raw. Ingestion does not typically happen with people, but it is rather prevalent with various household pets, horses, and other mammals. If eaten the toxins will induce vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivating, rashes or lack of coordination. treatment is needed immediately depending on how much was eaten and what consumed it. Chrysanthemum morri toxins can be useful as well. It has been found that if made into a powder the toxins act as a very effective pesticide. This was first realized by the Chinese around 100 A.D. From there the Persians passed on the secret to the Europeans who then brought it to the U.S. With all the modern day pesticides that are developed every year, the Chrysanthemum morri toxin has all but been rendered obsolete.