Chrysanthemum

This is an 'Artist Pink' chrysanthemum.

Some interesting facts about these flowers:
In some parts of Asia the flowers are boiled up to make a sweet tea like beverage. This is a medicinal drink and allegedly aids the recovery of influenza. There are also similar recipes which involve boiling the roots.

The chrysanthemum is related closely to chamomile, marguerite and matricaria.

In some species of chrysanthemum the leaves of the plant are grown as a leaf vegetable known as "tung ho". Fried with garlic and chili, the dark green leaves are said to be well textured and the aromatic.

In Feng Shui, chrysanthemums are believed to bring laughter and happiness to the home.

The Chrysanthemum, or Kiku in Japanese, is a symbol that represents longevity and rejuvenation.

In America, the chrysanthemum is now the largest commercially grown plant in the country.