Often called The Dalmatian Daisy it is commonly thought that this is where the plant originated however there is documented use of it in the Chou Dynasty in China during the first century AD. It is suspected that over the centuries, pyrethrum was traded along the Silk Route into Europe which is how it became established in Croatia. The dried flowers were used by these early traders in powdered form to deter fleas and mites in their clothing.

Similarly, pyrethrum was widely used to delouse armies from the time of Napoleon. It was during the time of WWII that pyrethrum was introduced into Kenya and the East African highlands to produce insecticide for the allied armies.

At this time Japan was the worlds largest producer of pyrethrum, primarily for use in mosquito coils. The majority of this was exported to Europe and the USA. However, being at war with your customers didn’t prove to be too good for business.

Now-days the worlds largest producers are in Africa and Australia….and soon to be New Zealand.