a hand reaches out to handpick a pyrethrum flower

The deadliest flower in the insect world is a lifeline to farmers—and the planet

The yellow center of the 'killer chrysanthemum' contains a natural toxin that is a powerful insecticide.

This flower, the pyrethrum plant, contains a potent chemical that is made into an effective, and environmentally friendly, insecticide.

Read This Next

Fireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect them
Can you tax a cow’s burps? New Zealand will be the first to try.
How the world’s best chocolate is getting even better

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet