Question

Sunflower is not a flower. Explain.

Answer 1

Sunflowers are a group of flowers, not a single flower. In actuality, what looks to be a single flower is actually an inflorescence, which is a group or bunch of very small blooms. These flowers are arranged in a unique way on a receptacle. The capitulum is the name for this form of inflorescence. The following are the main characteristics of a capitulum.

• The receptacle has been flattened.

• On the receptacle, there are several tiny, sessile florets.

• The florets that are the newest are in the centre, whereas those that are the oldest are in the periphery.

• Sunflower florets are divided into two types: ray florets and disc florets.

• The receptacle's rim is covered in ray florets. These have a yellow colour to them.

• The disc florets are located in the centre. They are actinomorphic and bisexual.

A sunflower is an inflorescence, not a flower, as evidenced by the characteristics listed above.