The Explorer Magazine Summer 2023 | Page 18

JUNIOR

E PLORERS

Sunflower Facts

According to Bee Culture , The Magazine of American Beekeeping , sunflowers produce a large amount of pollen and nectar making them relatively attractive to bees throughout the day . Pollen from sunflowers has been found to boost the immune systems of bumble bees protecting them against infectious agents , such as bacteria , viruses , and fungus .
• Sunflower seeds contain oil that is considered equal to olive or almond oil for table use .
• Sunflowers practice the process of heliotropism , which means they follow the movement of the sun across the sky from east to west .
• Sunflower heads are made up of thousands of tiny flowers .
• Sunflowers are one of the fastest growing plants and can grow anywhere from 3 to 12 feet within 6 months .
• A single sunflower can have up to 2000 seeds .
• Sunflowers are native to North America
• Sunflowers are the symbol of faith , loyalty , and adoration .
Sunflower seeds are a good source of vitamin E , protein , and other nutrients .
Research on sunflower pollination indicates that honeybees are the primary pollinators .
MAY 30 Water a Flower Day
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