Chrysanthemums
Sometimes called mums or chrysanths, are flowering plants of the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae . They are native to Asia and northeastern Europe. Most species originate from East Asia and the center of diversity is in China . There are about 40 valid species. There are countless horticultural varieties and cultivars. Culinary uses Yellow or white chrysanthemum flowers of the species C. morifolium are boiled to make a sweet drink in some parts of Asia. The resulting beverage is known simply as chrysanthemum tea , pinyin : júhuā chá, in Chinese). In Korea, a rice wine flavored with chrysanthemum flowers is called gukhwaju . Chrysanthemum leaves are steamed or boiled and used as greens, especially in Chinese cuisine. The flowers may be added to thick snakemeat soup to enhance the aroma. Small chrysanthemums are used in Japan as a sashimi garnish Environmental uses Chrysanthemum plants have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution by the NASA Clean Air