Plants of the genus Helianthus They are one of those that most need sunlight to have a correct development. Its own name already indicates it to us because it comes from Heliuma Greek term that means Sun. Many species are cultivated in gardens, as well as to decorate balconies and terraces, but there are some that also have culinary uses.
The growth is quite fast, and this has its reason for being: they have evolved so that, in just a few months, they germinate, grow, flower and finally produce seeds. Because, there are a few types of Helianthus that are annualwhile the rest are perennial but remain ‘asleep’ in autumn-winter.
Origin and characteristics of the Heliathus
The Helianthus genus is made up of about 53 species native to America, Russia, and Western Australia. They are annual or perennial herbs that reach a height of between 1 and 5 metersalthough there are some cultivars that grow only up to 50-60 centimeters. The stems usually grow erect, although they can be decumbent depending on the species. The leaves are basal and have an alternate or opposite arrangement. Likewise, they may or may not have a petiole (a stem that joins the leaves with the stem), and be greenish in color.
Furthermore, what we call a flower is actually an inflorescence composed of numerous small flowers that form a rounded chapter. The bracts (wrongly called petals) are yellow, red or orange depending on the variety. As they are hermaphrodites, they can produce seeds without the need for cross-pollination. The fruits are dried, and contain a seed that can be easily separated from the shell (like sunflower seeds) known by the technical name achene.
Main species
If you want to know what the different types of sunflowers or Helianthus are, take a look:
Helianthus annuus
Is sunflower, although it receives other names such as marigold, mirasol, tile corn or shield flower. It is an annual herb widely cultivated throughout the world, which can reach a height of up to 3 meters with erect stems. The inflorescences are also large, measuring up to 30 centimeters in diameter. Its fruits are the pipes, which finish maturing towards the end of the summer.
Uses
In addition to being a very popular plant in gardens and terraces, another of the widely used uses is culinary. The pipes are eaten as a snack, but an oil is also extracted from them that is used for cooking: sunflower oil. In addition, the stalks contain fiber, which is useful for making paper, and can be offered to livestock as food.
Helianthus laetiflorus
Image – Wikimedia / SB_Johnny
Actually, its scientific name is Helianthus x laetiflorussince it is a natural hybrid between Helianthus pauciflorus y Helianthus tuberosus. It is a perennial herbaceous plant that reaches a height of up to 2 meters. It produces flowers grouped in yellow inflorescences, measuring 10-15 centimeters in diameter.
Helianthus maximiliani
Image – Wikimedia / USFWS Mountain-Prairie
It is known as the maximilian sunflower, and it is a perennial herb that reaches a height of between 50 centimeters to 3 meters. The stems are erect, and from them sprout lanceolate leaves, as well as inflorescences 2-4 centimeters in diameter with yellow bracts.
Uses
The thick roots can be consumed as a vegetable, for example in salads. The rest of the plant is good food for livestock.
Helianthus multiflorus
Image – Wikimedia Commons / Dinesh Valke
The Helianthus x multiflorus is an annual herb resulting from a mutation of common sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) suffered throughout the centuries. Therefore it is, an annual cycle herb, but with a shorter height (generally no more than 100 centimeters) and with a large number of petals yellows.
Helianthus pauciflorus
Image – Wikimedia / Matt Lavin
It is a perennial rhizomatous herb that reaches a height of up to 2 meters. The stems are erect, of a striking reddish color, and their yellow flowers are grouped in inflorescences up to 7 centimeters in diameter. These sprout at the end of the summer, so it is interesting to grow them in combination with sunflowers, since when they wither, you can still enjoy the flowers of the H. pauciflorus.
Helianthus petiolaris
Image – Flickr / Crop Wild Relatives
Known as minor sunflower or meadow sunflower, it is an annual herb that reaches a height of about 120 centimeters. The stem is erect, and greenish. From it sprout bluish-green lanceolate leaves, and flowers grouped in yellow inflorescences that measure about 7-8 centimeters in diameter.
Helianthus tuberosus
The Helianthus tuberosusknown as Jerusalem artichoke, Jerusalem artichoke or Canadian sunflower, is a perennial plant that grows between 50 centimeters and 2 meters in height. The flowers gather in capitular inflorescences, and they are yellow. Its roots are tubers that are up to 10 centimeters long by 3-5 centimeters thick.
Uses
The tuber it is used a lot in the kitchen as a vegetableas it is very rich in water, as well as in proteins and fibers. It also serves as food for herbivorous animals.
Which of these types of Helianthus did you like the most?
