The Creeping Chrysanthemum (ビックリ菊) is an enemy in Pikmin 2 and Pikmin 4. When dormant, it greatly resembles the large yellow flowers known as the Margaret used for level scenery. In Pikmin 2, 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. In Pikmin 4, you can tell by the fact that it has one less flower, and the eyes occasionally open and look around. However, you will be able to tell when it spots you. Trust us.
When the Pikmin or the Captains get close, it will spring out of the ground, revealing its root or frog-like arms (in Pikmin 2 and Pikmin 4 respectively), its bulbous body, and its gigantic mouth that emerges from its tallest flower (in Pikmin 2. In Pikmin 4, the mouth is on its body, where a large tongue will pop out to devour Pikmin). It moves slowly, and will return to its original spot if left alone for a while. It replants itself by standing above the spot where it originally came from and sucking itself into the ground until only the 'flowers' remain. This enemy is not able to be petrified while it is in the ground.
The Chrysanthemum is also a collectible trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Notes[]
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 within 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 line between producer plants and consumer plants is blurred."
Louie's Notes[]
"When thinly sliced, this predator's sizeable bulb makes a sumptuous pizza topping."
Nintendo Player's Guide[]
"If you're not specifically looking for a Creeping Chrysanthemum, you may miss it until you're right on top of it and it pops out of the ground. Keep your Pikmin away from the predator's mouth and toss them at it's body. If the creature falls over, swarm it before it can right itself."
Dalmo's Notes[]
"Let's have a Creeping Chrysanthemum show, why don't we? We'll gather hand-raised Creeping Chrysanthemums and have a contest based on size, flower color—things like that. They're half animal, so maybe a behavior category too? Of course, how could the judges ever choose a winner? Each specimen is so beautiful in its own way..."
Battle Strategy[]
Pikmin 2[]
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 the player to attack the Chrysanthemum. Its weak point is its body, which can be hit at all times. It is generally weak against medium- to large-sized groups of Pikmin. The best way to defeat it is to simply swarm it, being careful not to let it eat any Pikmin. Another way is to daze it with Purple Pikmin then swarm to kill it. Or, quickly dart forward and attack, and when it tries to eat Pikmin, retreat. It will hit itself, knocking itself down. Use Purple Pikmin to quickly kill it when it is struggling to regain balance. Another good method of defeating it is to have one captain dismissed without any Pikmin and the other captain close by with Pikmin. Then, have the captain without any Pikmin wake up the creature and switch captains as soon as it wakes up and start swarming or throwing Pikmin at the beast until it dies. An Ultra-Bitter Spray can get the job done as well.
Pikmin 4[]
Run towards its flower with Oatchi and as many Pikmin as possible (40 or so guarantees safety). Quickly retreat once it awakens, then travel around it while charging a Rush. Once you are behind it and aimed at its rear, release and attack. Swarming is also viable if Oatchi is not available, and Lightning Shocks can be used in case of an emergency.
Captains[]
After waking it, attack it until it does its recoil move, avoid it, then attack again. It's best to attack the Chrysanthemum from behind to minimize risk to the attacking captain. Alternatively, allowing the Chrysanthemum to bite and stun itself will allow for some extra punching time at the cost of increased risk to the captain. Oatchi can also make short work of it with upgraded Rush and Chomp moves.
Gallery[]
Main page: Creeping Chrysanthemum/Gallery