sunpetal

Sunpetal is a common name that can refer to several different plant species, most notably within the Asteraceae family. The most frequent association is with the genus Helianthus, which includes the common sunflower. In this context, sunpetal often describes the ray florets, which are the petal-like structures that surround the central disc florets of the flower head. These ray florets are typically brightly colored, most commonly yellow, and serve to attract pollinators.

Another plant sometimes referred to as sunpetal is members of the genus Coreopsis, also in the Asteraceae family. These plants are often called tickseed and feature daisy-like flowers with ray florets that can be yellow, orange, or red, sometimes with contrasting colors at the base of the petal.

The term "sunpetal" is descriptive, evoking the bright, sun-like appearance of these floral components. While not a formal botanical classification, it is a commonly understood term in horticulture and general plant identification, particularly for plants with prominent, radiant ray flowers. The specific species meant by "sunpetal" can usually be determined by context, such as regional common names or surrounding descriptions of the plant's characteristics.