Helianthus anomalus eng

    Helianthus anomalus (Western sunflower) is a species of plants in the sunflower family, found in the southwestern United States.

   Helianthus anomalus is of particular interest due to its genetics. It was produced via hybridization of two other sunflower species, H. annuus and H. petiolaris, multiple times between approximately 60,000 and 200,000 years ago. From these two parent plants, three hybrids were formed, each with distinct characteristics and habitat preferences.

   Helianthus anomalus has unique traits that allows it to thrive in its stressful sand dune environment. Helianthus anomalus has a high leaf succulence, which allows it to survive long periods of drought common to its habitat. The succulent leaves of the sunflower stores water in absorbent, spongy portions of the leaves. Helianthus anomalus also has large seeds and rapid root growth, which contribute to its ability to survive in its extreme environment. It is believed that large seeds are adaptive to dune plants because the large seed size prevents burial by the sand. Helianthus anomalus is an annual plant.

 
   Individuals of this species can be recognized by their yellow flowers, with alternate oval shaped leaves. H. anomalus produces achenes for fruits. A 2001 study done on multiple species of Helianthus showed the average height of the plant to be 1.2m, with an average leaf length of 9.69 cm. Their average root length of 6.45 cm is an adaptation to their dry environment; they have to be able to acquire water from deep within the soil. The large size of their achenes facilitates this expanding root growth.