The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an up to 3 metres tall, annual plant in the composite family (Asteraceae). The sunflower flowers from July to October. A plant can then produce several flower heads. The flower head can reach a diameter of up to 30 cm. Immature plants whose flower buds have not yet opened show heliotropism: during the day the flower bud turns with the sun on sunny days. At night, the flower bud returns to its eastern position. This daily movement is brought about by uneven growth due to cell elongation of the flowering stem. This is because a sunflower has no pulvini (leaf pads). By the time the inflorescence opens, the flowering stem stiffens in the eastern position. As a result, flowering sunflowers point east all day; heliotropism is then over. There is a cultivated form with a drooping head, which is attractive to farmers because the flowers are less damaged by birds and dirt from the air.
Ellen Driesse-Pladdet, born and raised in beautiful Zeeuws-Vlaanderen close to the beach and dunes, grew up in the middle of the nature of Zeeland's countryside. A nature lover who enjoys everything Mother Nature has to offer and treats it with respect.
I've been photographing since I could hold a..
Read more…