Georgia Sunflowers
by Kathy K McClellan
Title
Georgia Sunflowers
Artist
Kathy K McClellan
Medium
Photograph - Photographs
Description
Georgia Sunflowers by Kathy K. McClellan is a photographic image created for Day 278 of the 365 Challenge (Journal 2022).
I found these sunflowers growing behind rows of zinnias at Mark's Melon Patch, a few mile outside of Sasser, Georgia (USA).
Several of the blooms are being inspected by honey bees. Some of the blooms have not opened fully while others are well on their way to seed harvest.
The sunflowers botanical name, Helianthus annuus, is derived from the Greek Helios 'sun' and anthos 'flower', while the epithet annuus means 'annual' in Latin.
Sunflowers were first domesticated in the Americas and seeds were taken to Europe in the 16th Century where their oil became widespread as a cooking ingredient.
Sunflower heads are said to move throughout the day with the face of the bloom following the sun from east to west. While this is true for young, immature blooms, once the stalk stops growing and the head is matured this circadian rhythm ceases.
Mature sunflower heads will continue to face east during the day allowing a quick warm up in the morning which actually increases visits from pollinators. Their florets follow a particular and sequenced mathematical pattern.
This image has been featured in the FAA/Pixels groups:
Georgia On My Mind 07/30/2023
Uploaded
October 5th, 2022
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