Sunflowers and their characteristics

Sunflowers are fascinating and beautiful plants characterized by their large, bright yellow flowers. Here are some interesting facts about sunflowers:

Scientific name: The scientific name of the sunflower is Helianthus annuus. “Helianthus” comes from the Greek “helios”, which means “sun”, and “anthos”, which means “flower”.

Characteristics: They are annual plants that can grow to impressive heights, generally 1.5 to 3 meters. Its stems are thick and hairy, and the leaves are large and green. The most distinctive feature of the sunflower is its disk-shaped flower made up of numerous individual flowers.

Movement with the sun: An interesting characteristic is its ability to follow the movement of the sun throughout the day, known as heliotropism. During growth, young sunflowers follow the sun from east to west during the day, turning east again at night to face the morning sun.

Oil production and edible seeds: They are cultivated all over the world for their seeds, which are used to make sunflower oil and also as healthy snacks. Sunflower oil is widely used in cooking and in the food industry.

Symbolism: Sunflowers are symbols of happiness, vitality and positive energy. Their bright color and shape make them very popular in flower arrangements and as decorative elements.

Additional Uses: In addition to their food value, sunflowers are also used in the production of biofuels, such as biodiesel production. Its potential for phytoremediation, that is, the ability to purify contaminated soil, has also been explored.

In short, sunflowers are amazing and versatile plants, prized for their beauty, their ability to follow the sun, and their benefits as a food and oil source.