Helianthus Sunflower : the Argentinian Legend
Helianthus Sunflower Annuus is the Common Sunflower that has acquired mythical status in South American countries because of its beauty and health benefits.
What does Helianthus Mean?
In the word Sunflower Helianthus, Hēlios means “Sun” and Anthos means “flower” (in Greek). That’s how old this gene is.
Legend of the Helianthus Sunflower
Legend has it that there were two tribes living close to the Paraná River in Argentina. The Chief of one tribe was called Pirayú and the other was Mandió.
Pirayú and Mandió were buddies so the two tribes had a very good trade in handicrafts and food.
Types of Sunflower Helianthus
- Helianthus Annuus
- Helianthus Angustifolius
- Heianthus Gigantius
- Helianthus Divaricatus
- Helianthus Strumosus
- Helianthus Maximiliani
- Helianthus Decapitalus
- Helianthus Debilis
Helianthus Annuus
Also called the Teddy Bear Sunflower because of its stunted stem and wide fluffy blooms on top. This variety looks equally great in your front garden and as inside a bouquet. It is also used to make sunflower cooking oil.
Helianthus Angustifolius
This variety of Sunflower does very well in drab Swampy lands. It looks wonderful in a muddy environment and also helps in wetland restoration projects.
Helianthus Giganteus
Giganteus as its name sake, has a towering stem and a bright large faced flower on top. This variety is used in the third world countries to make cooking oil and feed the rest to the cows in the farm. It is a great screen for privacy of homes too.
Helianthus Divaricatus
This typical variety grows in colder climates and does not require too much sunlight to do well. It looks great in woody areas where very little Sunlight gets through. It is still a beautiful yellow flower.
Helianthus Strumosus
The combination of pale green leaves and bright yellow flowers makes a great combination in cold woodlands and prairies.
Helianthus Maximiliani
Maximiliani Sunflower gives hope to insects and flower lovers late in Autumn. Its late season bloom fills drab landscapes with color and allows birds and bees to enjoy nectar when nothing else remains.
Health Benefits of Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Although any sort of edible oil in excess is bad for the heart, but if you must use one then Sunflower oil help in :-
- Hearth Health with its mono-saturated and poly-saturated fats like linoleum acid (Omega-6). This lowers Bad Cholesterol LDL.
- Sunflower oil’s anti inflammatory qualities because of Vitamin E and antioxidants reduce inflammation of the digestive track. This helps reduce weight and improve energy.
- Sunflower oil is used in Skin Care products
- This Sunflower oil helps absorb fat soluble Vitamin A, D, E and K
- Sunflower oil has been used as hair and scalp moisturizer for ages.
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