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November Facts

Chrysanthemum, Button Spray

Birth Flower: Chrysanthemum, Button Spray

Botanical Name: Dendranthema x grandiflorum
Pronunciation: den-DRAN-the-ma grand-I-FLOR-um
Availablity: year-round
Decorative Life: 7-14 days, some types last longer


About This Flower:
Chrysanthemums, which today are available in a great multitude of colors, shapes and sizes, are actually a result of generations of hybridization and cultivation. Blooms can be as small as 1 cm and as large as 25 cms. Button spray chrysanthemums, with several blooms per stem, display small flowers shaped like compact cushions. Like all members of the Chrysanthemum family, button spray chrysanthemums have a vase life of 7 to 14 days.

Birth Stone: Topaz Topaz

The name topaz is derived from the Greek word meaning, 'to shine' and also implies fire. Most think of topaz as a transparent golden-yellow gemstone, however, this gemstone also occurs colorless, red, blue, pink, honey-brown (dark sherry), and light green.

Topaz holds the distinction of being the gemstone with the widest range of curative powers. The Greeks felt it gave them strength. In addition, it was supposed to have cooled tempers, restored sanity, cured asthma, relieved insomnia, strengthened breathing, and even warded off sudden death. Topaz is said to prove the loyalty of associates by changing color in the presence of poison.

Topaz is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and China. As it is more readily available and less expensive, citrine is often used as an alternative to topaz.