The humble wonder-plant
Dalmatian pyrethrum or Dalmatian chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium Trev.) plant belongs to a Astraceae family.
At the time of its scientific naming in 1820. it was naturally growing wild only mostly in the area comprising littoral Kingdom of Dalmatia (now a historic region in Republic of Croatia; represented by a crest on Croatian national flag).
That is the root of how it got its name.
This plant is not just a fine fodder for peasant's livestock, its pristine flowers are not only a beautiful sight to see in full bloom, but they also yield the world's most known and important botanical insecticide - the pyrethrins.
Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium was unopposedly stated as 'the most valuable product of Dalmatia' by world famous entomologist C.V. Riley in 1880., becouse of its unique features of insect destructiveness, biodegradability, nontoxicity to humans /higher animals and creating no significant insect resistance.
OPG Marinelić is the organic grower of this plant, a family tradition since cca. 1860.
Copyright Tomislav Marinelić personal album
Copyright Tomislav Marinelić personal album
Copyright Tomislav Marinelić personal album
Copyright Tomislav Marinelić personal album
Long sunny days, sandy mediteranean soil, ample winds and hard work are some keys for succesfull growing of the plant. We know those, and a few more tricks for a perfect plant environmental enjoyment for more than 140 years now..
The pyrethrins in the flowers are produced by the plant for its insect defences purposes, and are consisted solely of natural elements O, H and C - oxygen, hydrogen and carbon
After flowers naturally degrade in the wild, they decompose in the soil, making it more fertile and completing the natural cycle in a perfect way without any ecological disruption like its many synthetic analogues do
The Csb/Csa or Mediteranean climate (red area in official Koppen's classification of Republic of Croatia) is the best environment in which plant grows in the wild, thriving up to 18 years, and giving all its best