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.

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‘.

Sunflowers are dicotyledonous which is a distinguishing property. The leaf veins of these plants have a reticulated pattern. Sunflower thrives in regions with plenty of sunlight and is suitable for short-term crops. The distinguishing feature of the plant is presence of a single stem and a large flower. The capitulum serves as the inflorescence and the flower has bisexual characteristics (anthers and ovary in the same 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:

Category	Classification
Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Helianthus
Species	annuus

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:

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.

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.

Native Americans used sunflowers in dyes, bread, medicine, and body paintings. After processing seeds for oil, the cake is used as a feed for cattle. Latex-producing sunflowers are being assessed as hypo-allergenic rubber substitutes. The plants with cypsela-type fruit are also used as oils, perfumes, dyes, rubber, and as ornamental plants.

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?

The scientific name of the sunflower is Helianthus annuus. “Helianthus” is derived from the Greek words “helios” meaning sun and “anthos” meaning flower, referring to the sun-like appearance of its flower head.

What are the Medicinal Uses of Sunflower?

Sunflower is known to possess medicinal properties by serving as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, and has wound-healing properties.It is effective in treating and preventing conditions such as cancer, arthritis, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

What is the Family Name of Sunflower?

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) belongs to Daisy family also known as Asteraceae family. It has more than 23,600 plant species, is one of the largest group of angiosperms.

What are the Two Florets in a Sunflower?

Ray florets and disc florets are the two florets present in the sunflower inflorescence.

What are the Uses of Sunflower?

Sunflowers are used for ornamental purposes and the seeds have high nutritive value. They are also used as feed and fodder, medicine and in the production of dyes.

What is the Taxonomic Key of the Sunflower?

The taxonomic key for sunflowers is based on characteristics like leaf shape, flower size, and stem height, aiding in their classification within the plant kingdom.

What is Sunflower Botanical Description?

Sunflowers are tall, annual plants with large, bright yellow flowers that follow the path of the sun throughout the day, characterized by their coarse, hairy stems and rough, lance-shaped leaves.

What is Sunflower Chromosome Number?

The chromosome number of sunflowers is typically 34.