Helianthus

/ˌhɛliˈænθəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of flowering plants commonly known as sunflowers, with large yellow flower heads that track the sun.

Etymology

From Greek 'helios' (sun) and 'anthos' (flower). The genus name was formally established in botanical nomenclature in the 17th century when sunflowers were brought to Europe from the Americas.

Kelly Says

Helianthus was named by botanists who watched young sunflower buds rotate to follow the sun from dawn to dusk—a behavior called heliotropism that actually stops once the flower fully opens and faces east!

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