Creeping Chrysanthemum

A Creeping Chrysanthemum out of its disguise.

Creeping Chrysanthemum

Taraxacum rovinia

The Creeping Chrysanthemum is an enemy in Pikmin 2. When dormant, it greatly resembles the large yellow flowers known as the Margaret used for level scenery. It can be told apart from the normal flowers, as it has one less flower, no leaves on the "stem", and the large flowers have the Chrysanthemum's eyes visible. When the Pikmin or the pilots get close, it will spring out of the ground, revealing its root-arms and its bulbous body. It moves moderately slowly, and will return to its original spot if left alone for a while. This enemy is not able to be petrified while it is in the ground. Their appearance could be believed to have come from the the enemies called Piranha Plants from the Mario series of video games.

Olimar's Notes

Like Pikmin, the Creeping Chrysanthemum is a member of a group of creatures with ambulatory root structures. This creature is known as a "mimic", but because it is actually a form of plant, this label is not entirely accurate. For unknown reasons, the Creeping Chrysanthemum's mimicry does not fool Pikmin, perhaps because they share a similar heritage. It relies on preying upon other creatures to provide sustenance, so it has no need of leaves for photosynthesis. Generally speaking, the role of plants in an ecosystem is as a producer species, and thus plants are generally found at the bottom of the food pyramid. However, on this strange planet the liner between producer plants and consumer plants is blurred.

Louie's Notes

When thinly sliced, this predator's sizable bulb makes a scrumptious pizza topping.

Stratagems for Success

1. Its large mouth will pick up the Pikmin to eat them, but if it fails to capture any, it will slam its head into its body and fall to the ground, struggling to get back up.This presents an opportunity for you to attack the Chrysanthemum. Its weak point is its body, which can be hit at all times. It is generally weak against medium-sized groups of Pikmin. The best way to defeat it is to simply swarm it, being careful not to let it eat any Pikmin.
   
2. Awaken it, then run. Attack it until it sucks its gut in, wait for it to finish its "throw" move, then attack again. Steer clear of the front while attacking, or you may get bitten.