Helianthus debilis

• Botanical Name : Helianthus debilis Nutt.

• The generic name is derived from two latin words heli and anthus meaning Sun and Flower respectively. The specific name is derived from the Latin word which means weak, lame or debilitated which describes the plant's tendency to crawl along the ground (decumbent).

• Common Name : Beach Sunflower, Cucumber Leaf Sunflower
• Plant Family : Asteraceae (Compositae)
• Plant Form : Herb
• Occurrence (Special Areas) : Indroda Park

About Helianthus debilis Plant :

• Habit : An erect or a spreading perennial herb.
• Stem : Erect or decumbent.
• Leaves : Alternate, variable in shape and size.
• Inflorescence : Capitulum (Head).
• Flowers : Yellow coloured ray florets arranged on the periphery and the centre is filled with many red, yellowish or purplish disc florets.
• Fruit : A Cypsela.
• Flowering and Fruiting Time : Throughout the year.
• Significance :
  • It looks similar to Sunflower but can be distinguished from it by its flowers which are smaller in size as compared to Sunflower.
  • Generally grown as an ornamental plant.