helianthi

Helianthi is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. The name Helianthi is derived from the Greek words "helios" meaning sun and "anthos" meaning flower, referring to the characteristic large, often yellow, flower heads of these plants. Species within this genus are commonly known as sunflowers.

The genus Helianthi is native to North and South America. While often associated with the familiar common sunflower (Helianthus annuus), the genus encompasses a diverse range of species, including perennial and annual plants, with varying flower sizes, heights, and growth habits. Some species are native wildflowers, while others have been cultivated for ornamental purposes, food, and oil production.

The most well-known species, Helianthus annuus, is widely cultivated for its edible seeds, which are a source of oil and are consumed directly. Its large flower heads are distinctive and follow the sun during the day, a phenomenon known as heliotropism. Other species may have smaller, more numerous flower heads and are often found in grasslands and prairies. The reproductive structures are typical of the Asteraceae family, with ray florets forming the showy outer part of the flower head and disc florets in the center that mature into seeds.