Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum, a genus of plants belonging to the natural order Composite. The species are by some botanists included in the genus Chrysanthemum. Feverfew (q.v.), a native of Britain, is a notable species. A handsome double-flowered variety is cultivated in gardens for ornament; and Golden Feather, so much employed in bordering, &c. in the bedding-out system of flower-gardening, is a yellow-leaved variety. Several other species are to be met with in flower-gardens; but the most ornamental of all is P. roseum, from which has sprung many beautiful varieties with double and single flowers of brilliant colours. From the flowers of the P. roseum Insect-powder (q.v.) or Persian powder is prepared; and the flowers are exported in large quantities for this purpose from Dalmatia and from the Caucasus region.