Sunflower
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a large annual plant of the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to North America and now cultivated as a valuable crop worldwide. The term "sunflower" is derived from the flower's appearance, which resembles the sun.
Pronunciation
Sunflower: /ˈsʌnˌflaʊər/
Etymology
The term "sunflower" is a combination of the words "sun" and "flower", referring to the plant's sun-like appearance and its tendency to turn towards the sun.
Description
Sunflowers are known for their large, bright yellow flower heads and tall, sturdy stems. The flower head is actually composed of numerous small flowers, or florets, which can produce seeds when fertilized. The seeds are a source of sunflower oil, which is used in cooking and in the production of margarine and biofuel.
Cultivation and Uses
Sunflowers are grown both for their aesthetic appeal and for their seeds, which are harvested for their oil and as a snack food. Sunflower oil is high in vitamin E and low in saturated fat, making it a healthy choice for cooking. The plant is also used in gardening for its ability to absorb heavy metals from the soil, a process known as phytoremediation.
Related Terms
- Helianthus: The genus to which the sunflower belongs.
- Asteraceae: The daisy family, which includes the sunflower.
- Floret: A small flower that is part of a larger flower head, as in the sunflower.
- Phytoremediation: The use of plants to remove pollutants from the environment.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sunflower
- Wikipedia's article - Sunflower
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