Helianthus annuus L.

Spice Detail inflorescence In the field Inflorescence Involucre

Family: COMPOSITAE (ASTERACEAE)

Genus: Helianthus

Catalan common name: Corona de rei. Girasol. Solcoronat.

Spanish common name: Copa de Júpiter. Corona real. Flor de sol. Girasol.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Ibiza. Formentera.

General distribution (Phytogeography): North American

Uses and properties: Edible or foodstuffs.

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Terophyte.

Habitats: Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones. Cultivated species. Cultivated specie and sometimes subespontaneous.

Characteristics: The sunflower is a plant originally from North America which has been grown in Europe for its oily seeds. Even though it is an annual cycle plant, it can reach a height of over 3m (smaller in drier areas). The capitula with long yellow ligules which look like a sun are easily identifiable.