Beauty of a Sunflower
by Bruce Bley
Title
Beauty of a Sunflower
Artist
Bruce Bley
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Helianthus or sunflower is a genus of plants comprising about 52 species in the Asteraceae family, all of which are native to North America. The common name "sunflower" also applies to the popular annual species Helianthus annuus.
The genus is one of many in the Asteraceae that are known as sunflowers. It is distinguished technically by the fact that the ray flowers, when present, are sterile, and by the presence on the disk flowers of a pappus that is of two awn-like scales that are cauducous (that is, easily detached and falling at maturity). Some species also have additional shorter scales in the pappus, and there is one species that lacks a pappus entirely. Another technical feature that distinguishes the genus more reliably, but requires a microscope to see, is the presence of a prominent, multicellular appendage at the apex of the style.
There is quite a bit of variability among the perennial species that make up the bulk of the species in the genus. Some have most or all of the large leaves in a rosette at the base of the plant and produce a flowering stem that has leaves that are reduced in size. Most of the perennials have disk flowers that are entirely yellow, but a few have disk flowers with reddish lobes. One species, H. radula, lacks ray flowers altogether.
The domesticated sunflower, Helianthus annuus, is the most familiar species. Perennial sunflower species are not as popular for gardens due to their tendency to spread rapidly and become invasive.
I hope you have enjoyed this photograph. You can see more of my work on my homepage. Thank you for visiting and please come back.
Uploaded
February 22nd, 2015
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Comments (39)
Bruce Bley
Robert, Thank you again for the feature in the group "The Niche". I sincerely appreciate it.
Bruce Bley
Dora, I want to thank you for the feature in the group "Visions Of Spring - Glances of Summer". I appreciate the honor.
Bruce Bley
Maria, I am grateful for the feature in the group Exquisite Florals. Thank you for the honor and your support.
Robyn King
Congratulations your beautiful work is being featured in The World We See Group :-)
Bruce Bley replied:
Robyn, I want to thank you for the feature in the group "The World We See". I sincerely appreciate the honor.
Bruce Bley
Johanna, Thank you so much for the feature in the group "Photography And Nature 101". I sincerely appreciate the honor.
Bruce Bley
Darren, I am grateful for the feature in the group "Photography and Textures Make Fine Art". I sincerely appreciate the honor.
Bruce Bley
Romuald, I want to thank you for the feature in the group ”Arts Fantastic World”. I appreciate the honor.
Bruce Bley
Doug, Thank you for the feature in the group "Canon Full Frame Cameras". I sincerely appreciate it.
Bruce Bley
Barbara, I want to thank you for the feature in the group "Art For Close Ups And Macro Happy And Friendly". I sincerely appreciate it.
Bruce Bley
Jasna, I am grateful for the feature in the group "Global Flowers Photography. Thank you for the honor.
Bruce Bley
Thank you for the feature in the group "Floral Photography and Art, Kim. I sincerely appreciate it.
Bruce Bley
Brooks, I am grateful for the feature in the group "Sunflower Power". I appreciate the honor.
Bruce Bley
Doug, Thank you so much for the feature in the group "Canon Full Frame Cameras". I sincerely appreciate it.
Bruce Bley
Kimberly, I want to thank you for the feature in the group "Unique Shots". Thank you so much for the honor.
Bruce Bley
Jordan, I want to thank you for the feature in the group "AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS- 2 PER DAY Limit". I truly appreciate it.
Randy Rosenberger
It is truly and honor and a pleasure to let you know that your beautiful piece of artwork that you submitted to the Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery group has been chosen to be featured and displayed on our homepage featured artists section. Thank you much for sharing and congratulations on your special place of honor. Favorited and Liked this exceptional piece of artwork. Randy B. Rosenberger ( admin. of WFS group )
Bruce Bley replied:
Randy, I am very grateful for the feature and your continued support of my work. Thank you so much for the honor.
Chrisann Ellis
Bruce, Congrats!!! Your Outstanding Work has been Featured On The Home Page of Weekly Fun For All Mediums!!!
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you for the feature in the group "Weekly Fun For All Mediums". Chrisann. I sincerely appreciate the honor.
Gardening Perfection
What a perfect flower photograph!!
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you for the kind and gracious comment, Gardening Perfection. I really appreciate it.
Jacqueline Athmann
Surprise & Congratulations!! Your photo has been featured on The Art Shoppe Cafe group homepage! Thank you for sharing your beautiful work with us! F/L
Bruce Bley replied:
Jacqueline, I truly appreciate the feature in the group "The Art Shoppe Caf". Thank you for the honor.
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