Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are iconic flowering plants known for their large beautiful, daisy-like blooms which can move with sunlight and impressive height. Some varieties reach up to 12 feet height. Sunflower name is derived from Greek words helios meaning “Sun” and anthos meaning ‘‘flower”.They belong to the Asteraceae family and are native to North America, although they are now cultivated globally for their ornamental beauty, seeds, and oil. We are going to explore different types of sunflower as we move ahead.
Sunflowers are named for their tendency to turn their heads to face the sun as it moves across the sky, a behavior known as heliotropism. This characteristic trait is most pronounced in young sunflower buds and decreases as the flower matures. While this heliotropic behavior typically ceases once the flower reaches maturity, the term “sunflower” persists due to its historical association. Although heliotropism occurs due to accumulation of growth hormones when exposed to sunlight. That’s Why once a sunflower reaches its maturity heliotropism is not evident.
The central disk of the sunflower is composed of numerous small flowers called florets, surrounded by colorful petals known as ray florets. These florets are arranged in intricate spiral patterns, contributing to the sunflower’s distinctive appearance.
Different types of sunflowers have different significance in various cultures across the world, often symbolizing adoration, loyalty, and longevity. They have been cultivated for thousands of years, with evidence of their domestication dating back to ancient civilizations in the Americas. Sunflower seeds, a popular snack, are not only delicious but also a good source of nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Some of the common types of sunflowers are classified on the basis of ornamental purpose, oil production, seed production, medicinal purpose, etc, they are as follows:
There are multiple varieties of sunflowers, each with its unique characteristics, with reference to the size, color, petal arrangement, and purpose. Here, we are listing some popular varieties for you, seen and grown globally :
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These are just a few examples of the diverse array of sunflower varieties available to the gardeners. Whether you’re looking for towering giants, compact dwarfs, or unique colors, there’s a sunflower variety to suit every garden style and preference. They are now popular as commercial crops for oilseeds too.
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