Definition
The chrysanthemum is the classic spherical break in which every star leaves a visible trail behind it, forming a ball of solid rays reminiscent of the flower. It differs from the peony, whose stars burn as points without trails. The trails come from an outer layer of charcoal or glitter composition added to the coloured star; the colour of the core shows at the end of the flight. The sphere is all the more regular for a well-built shell, and Japanese chrysanthemums are the benchmark, often with a central pistil of a different colour. Common calibres run from 75 to 300 mm; a 150 mm shell opens a chrysanthemum roughly 150 m across. It is the reference effect for bouquets and finales.
In practice, for the display company
A chrysanthemum reads at any distance and forgives small timing errors, which makes it the safe bet of shell sequences. PyroDesk classifies the effect in its shape taxonomy when importing supplier catalogues, and PyroSimulator renders it with trails and pistil at a diameter scaled to the calibre.