Characteristics of Sunflower

The following features are seen in the sunflower plant:

  1. Sunflower is distinguished by its sturdy hairy stem, broad heart-shaped leaves, and colourful flowers.
  2. The stem may grow to considerable heights, often surpassing 3 metres tall, and is adorned with delicate hairs.
  3. The tallest recorded sunflower had a height of 9.17 metres. The leaves are large and heart-shaped, arranged alternately along the stem, with serrated edges that provide a unique feel.
  4. Sunflower’s most notable characteristic is the flower head, which consists of several individual blooms tightly arranged in a spiral arrangement. The plants in this family have an inflorescence capitulum.
  5. The outside ring comprises brilliant yellow ray florets, while the middle disc comprises smaller tubular disc florets in hues of brown or black.
  6. The plant blooms throughout the summer season.

Botanical Name of Sunflower

The botanical name of the sunflower is Helianthus annuus. The economic importance of sunflower is that it is often cultivated as a crop for its edible oil-rich seeds, which have a high nutritional value. Sunflower is used in cooking, as cattle fodder, and is grown in residential gardens for decorative purposes. One of the characteristics of a sunflower is that it is an annual plant with several flower heads. In this article, we will learn the botanical name of the sunflower and its scientific classification along with the economic importance of sunflower.

Table of Content

  • Botanical Name of Sunflower – Helianthus annuus.
  • Scientific Classification of Sunflower
  • What is a Sunflower?
  • Characteristics of Sunflower
  • Economic Importance of Sunflower

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Sunflower Botanical Name – Helianthus annuus

The botanical name of the sunflower is Helianthus annuus. The generic name is Helianthus and the specific epithet is “annuus” which refers to its growth habit annually, distinguishing it from other perennial sunflower species. The genus name in the binomial nomenclature Helianthus annuus is derived from the Greek words helios, meaning ‘sun‘, and anthos, meaning ‘flower‘....

Scientific Classification of Sunflower

Within the genus Helianthus, there are nearly 70 species, but Helianthus annuus is by far the most widely cultivated among all. It includes species that are diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid. It is (sunflower, diploid, 2n=34) is grown for oilseed and another species known as Helianthus tuberosus (hexaploid, 2n = 104) is cultivated for its tubers. The scientific classification of sunflower is as follows:...

What is a Sunflower?

Sunflowers, commonly known as “Suraj Mukhi” in Hindi, are flowering plants cultivated worldwide. In India, it is the third biggest oilseed crop globally, after mustard, soybean, and rapeseed. The scienitific name of sunflower is Helianthus annuus. Flowering in sunflower begins during the early morning hours, between 6 am and 10 am. This phenomenon is also known as “heliotropism”. While immature flower buds possess this characteristic, the fully developed blooming sunflower heads consistently orient themselves in a fixed east direction throughout the day....

Characteristics of Sunflower

The following features are seen in the sunflower plant:...

Economic Importance of Sunflower

Sunflower “whole seed” (fruit) is a rich source of healthy proteins and lipids. Few “high-oleic” sunflower species have more mono-unsaturated fats than olive oil. Sunflower oil, derived from the seeds, is cheaper than olive oil and used for cooking, margarine, and biodiesel. It is offered as bird food and used in cooking and salads....

Conclusion – Sunflower Botanical Name

The sunflower botanical name is Helianthus annuus. It holds significant economic importance as a crop cultivated for its edible oil-rich seeds. The annual growth habit of sunflower and distinctive flower heads make it a popular choice for both agricultural and ornamental purposes. The botanical name of sunflower “Helianthus annuus” indicates its genus (Helianthus) and species (annuus). With its nutritious seeds used in cooking, as animal fodder, and for biodiesel production, the sunflower continues to play a vital role in various industries and ecosystems....

FAQs – Sunflower Botanical Name

What is the Scientific Name of Sunflower?...