Sunflower Macro
by Bruce Bley
Title
Sunflower Macro
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. Whorled sunflowers, Helianthus verticillatus, were listed as an endangered species in 2014 when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule protecting it under the Endangered Species Act. The primary threats are industrial forestry and pine plantations in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. They grow to six feet tall and are primarily found in woodlands, adjacent to creeks and moist, prairie-like areas.
I hope you have enjoyed this photograph and will share it with others. You can see more of my work on my homepage. Thank you for visiting and please come back.
Uploaded
October 6th, 2014
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Viewed 702 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/25/2024 at 7:28 PM
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Comments (20)
Jean OKeeffe Macro Abundance Art
Beautiful colors Bruce! PFLTg+
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you so much, Jean and thank you for the promotions. I really appreciate it.
Marsha Heiken
Bruce,This is a gorgous macro of a Sunflower.Awesome,Thanks Marsha FV
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you for the kind and gracious comment, Marsha. I sincerely appreciate it and thank you for the v.
Ann Horn
Gorgeous color and stunning composition, Bruce! f/l
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you for the wonderful compliment, Ann. I sincerely appreciate it and thank you for the L.
Bruce Bley
Neal, I am very grateful for the feature in the group "Fine Art Wildflower Photography. Thank you for the honor.
Bruce Bley
Neal, I truly appreciate the feature in the group "Fine Art Wildflower Photography". Thank you for your continued support of my work.
Connie Handscomb
Well done, Bruce! ... great flow here .. & detail; I see wee droplets on this, too :)))
Bruce Bley
Naomi, Thank you so much for the feature in the group "Worldly Photography". I appreciate the honor and the support you have given me.
Bruce Bley
Marinescu, I want to thank you for the feature in the group "Premium FAA Artists". I truly appreciate the honor.
CJ Anderson
Gorgeous, Bruce! Every aspect if this image spells out M-A-S-T-E-R-P-I-E-C-E!
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you for the wonderful compliment, CJ. You have certainly made my day. I needed it.
John S
Fantastic macro shot ! This has amazing details and great lighting ...Wonderful POV also ...Well Done Bruce !
Bruce Bley replied:
John, I really appreciate you supportive comments on my work. I am glad you enjoyed this work and thank you for the visit.