Home Page > Picture Archives > > Asteraceae > Helianthus annuus
Helianthus aridus, Helianthus indicus, Helianthus jaegeri, Helianthus lenticularis, Helianthus macrocarpus, Helianthus multiflorus, Helianthus ovatus, Helianthus platycephalus, Helianthus tubaeformis
Common sunflower
Helianthus annuus, the common sunflower, is a large annual forb of the genus Helianthus grown as a crop for its edible oil and edible fruits (sunflower seeds). This sunflower species is also used as bird food, as livestock forage (as a meal or a silage plant), and in some industrial applications. The plant was first domesticated in the Americas. Wild Helianthus annuus is a widely branched annual plant with many flower heads. The domestic sunflower, however, often possesses only a single large inflorescence (flower head) atop an unbranched stem. The name sunflower may derive from the flower's head's shape, which resembles the sun, or from the false impression that the blooming plant appears to slowly turn its flower towards the sun as the latter moves across the sky on a daily basis.[+]
Helianthus annuus, commonly known as the sunflower, is an annual plant native to North America. In Qatar, it is cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its large, bright yellow blooms and statuesque stature. Local studies have shown that sunflowers thrive in Qatar's warm climate, but require regular watering and well-draining soil to flourish. They are often grown in gardens, parks, and along roadsides, where they attract pollinators and add a pop of color to the desert landscape. Despite the hot and dry conditions, sunflowers can grow up to 2-3 meters tall in Qatar, making them a striking addition to the country's ornamental plant scene.
Common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) on roadside near Twar Mall in Um Lekhba neighborhood. Doha, Qatar, February 29, 2016
Street 871, Doha, Qatar
Blooming common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) on roadside near Twar Mall in Um Lekhba neighborhood. Doha, Qatar, February 29, 2016Street 871, Doha, Qatar
Flower head of common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) on roadside near Twar Mall in Um Lekhba neighborhood. Doha, Qatar, February 29, 2016Street 871, Doha, Qatar
Common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, March 24, 2016Qurtuba St, Doha, Qatar
Blooming common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, March 24, 2016Qurtuba St, Doha, Qatar
Disk flowers of common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, March 24, 2016Qurtuba St, Doha, Qatar
Yellow flower of common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, March 24, 2016Qurtuba St, Doha, QatarObservations of Helianthus annuus in Qatar revealed the plant's presence in various areas, including roadside near Twar Mall in Um Lekhba neighborhood and Onaiza area in Doha. The common sunflower was spotted on February 29, 2016, and March 24, 2016, with blooming flowers observed on both dates. The flower head and disk flowers were also examined, showcasing the plant's characteristic yellow petals. In Onaiza area, the sunflowers were found to be thriving, with multiple blooms and vibrant yellow flowers. The observations suggest that Helianthus annuus can grow and bloom in Qatar's environment, particularly in urban areas such as Doha. The plant's ability to flourish in these conditions highlights its adaptability and hardiness. Multiple sightings of the plant in different locations indicate its potential to naturalize in the region.
www.theplantlist.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.