Daisy
### **Botanical Facts**
1. **Scientific Name**: The scientific name for the common daisy is *Bellis perennis*.
2. **Family**: Daisies belong to the Asteraceae family, which includes sunflowers and asters.
3. **Varieties**: There are numerous species of daisies, including the common daisy, Shasta daisy
(*Leucanthemum × superbum*), and gerbera daisy (*Gerbera jamesonii*).
### **Characteristics**
1. **Flower Structure**: A daisy is composed of two types of flowers: the central disk florets and
the surrounding ray florets, which give the appearance of a single flower.
2. **Colors**: While most daisies are known for their white petals and yellow centers, they can also
come in various colors, including pink, purple, and red, especially in ornamental varieties like
gerbera daisies.
### **Symbolism and Cultural Significance**
1. **Innocence and Purity**: Daisies often symbolize innocence, purity, and new beginnings. They
are commonly used in floral arrangements to convey these sentiments.
2. **Mythology**: In Roman mythology, the daisy is associated with the nymph Belides, who
transformed into the flower to escape unwanted attention from the god of orchards.
### **Uses and Benefits**
1. **Medicinal**: Daisies have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and
antiseptic properties. They are sometimes used to make herbal teas that can help with digestion.
2. **Culinary**: Young daisy leaves and flower petals can be added to salads for a touch of color
and mild flavor.
### **Fun Facts**
1. **Daisy Chain**: Making daisy chains is a popular activity, especially for children. It involves
linking the flower stems together to create a garland.
2. **Night and Day**: The name "daisy" is thought to be derived from the Old English "daes eage,"
meaning "day's eye," because the flower opens in the morning and closes at night.