Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Pete & Mary Hoeppner on 11/05/2010 18:30:02

Title: Do sunflowers really face the Sun?
Post by: Pete & Mary Hoeppner on 11/05/2010 18:30:02
Pete & Mary Hoeppner  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
I live in Saskatchewan and grew up in Manitoba.  Lots of sunflower fields. 

I've observed this behaviour (flowers facing the sun) and it is not true.  On any day they can face west, south or east regardless of where the sun is.  It seems to be haphazard and not related to the sun.  But I've never seen a field facing north.

What do you think?
Title: Do sunflowers really face the Sun?
Post by: LeeE on 11/05/2010 19:38:11
Have a quick read of this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunflower#Heliotropism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunflower#Heliotropism)