Feather duster budgerigar Feather duster budgerigar Feather duster budgerigars ("Melopsittacus undulatus"), sometimes called budgerigar mops, are budgerigars that have a condition characterised by overly long feathers that do not stop growing at usual periods, giving the bird the appearance of a feather duster. This condition is sometimes known as chrysanthemum feathering. The contour, tail and flight feathers do not stop growing, and they do not have the necessary barbs and barbules for the feather's structure to interlock. The shaft (calamus) is also curved, and so the feathers appear deformed and fluffed out. Individuals with this condition often appear less alert than nest mates.
Acorus calamus widely and frequently used herbal medicines among the Chipewyan people. The Potawatomi people powdered the dried root and placed this up the nose for catarrh. This plant is sometimes used as a pond plant in horticulture. There is at least one ornamental cultivar known; it is usually called 'Variegatus', but the RHS recommends calling it 'Argenteostriatus'. Both triploid and tetraploid "A. calamus" contain alpha-asarone. Other phytochemicals include: Diploids do not contain beta-asarone (β-asarone). The calamus has long been a symbol of love. The name is associated with a Greek myth: Kalamos, son of the river-god Maeander, who loved the youth