8 Fascinating Facts about Sunflowers that will make you fall in love with them!
The sensational sunflowers have marked its presence not only on our beautiful planet but also out in space! Yes you heard it right! It’s a “Space Plant” too!
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Sunflowers botanically known as “Helianthus” is a genus(A group of closely related species) consists of 76 species, a happy-go-lucky plant that aren’t finicky about the soil and are very easy to grow. Their height varies from giant species being about 16ft tall and dwarfs varies from 1ft to 4ft. Usually grown as annuals and requires an exposure of about 6–8 hours. The different varieties of sunflowers would make you go La La as they also comes in beautiful orange, purples and a mix of these said hues!
So here are some amazing yet fascinating facts about Helios God’s Plant:
- Sunflowers are known to be Sun-Trackers till the maturity knocks their doors: This is termed as “Heliotropism” or “Solar Tracking” is a dynamic form of phototropism in which aerial portion of the plant follows the movement of the Sun right from sunrise to sunset
- Sunflowers are also called as Space Plants: During a space experiment in 1982 named as “HEFLEX”, U.S. based astronaut and ISS resident Don Pettit carried sunflower seeds to International Space Station in Space Shuttle Columbia to study nutation, despite of absence of gravity the sunflower seedling grew though its tip was rotated downwards. In fact sunflower also passed in another experiment wherein scientists wanted to know whether moon was sterile in order to avoid space plague. Sunflower was one of plant tested in the lunar soil also known as regolith that confirmed that the moon was sterile.
- Sunflowers rock in Art, Music and Pop culture: Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh created “The Sunflowers Series” and it is considered as one of the best artistic depiction till date. And of course you already are familiar with song the “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee
- Sunflowers are known to be Self-Pollinators: A common approach by sunflowers to pollinate itself is by attracting bees that transfer self-created pollen to the stigma. However in case of failure of the said approach the stigma can twist around to reach to its own pollen
- The Stalks of Sunflowers are beneficial as well: The stalks are used to feed the cattle. In fact the stalks of young sunflowers can also be used in salads or eaten raw with any butter of your choice
- The Fibonacci series applies to Sunflower Head: The head of sunflower consists of two types of spiral, there are 34 spirals in one direction and 55 spirals in the other direction. In case of giant varieties of sunflowers, its head consists of 89 spirals in one direction and 144 in another
- Sunflower Oils Possess Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Sunflower oils help combat arthritis pain. It is rich in Omega-3 fats that results in reducing inflammation
- Sunflower Seeds can be shelled into your new favorite and healthy Sun-butter: People who are allergic to nuts can consume sun-butter instead. In fact, it’s a brilliant addition to breads and many other bakery foods, it can also be sprinkled over salads! Sunflower seeds are rich in protein, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and vitamin E
Well these sunflowers are not only fascinating and beautiful but also have a lot of health benefits so go ahead and add these wonderful flowers to your beloved garden!
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