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What are Sunflowers? The Ultimate Guide to Distinguishing Sunflowers from Lotuses.

The humble sunflower, with its striking resemblance to the lotus, is a captivating flower. What is this beautiful bloom, and how can one distinguish it from its lotus cousin? Let's delve into the world of sunflowers and explore their unique charm and distinct characteristics.

Administrator

6 August, 2024

Lotus and sunflowers have strikingly similar features. However, each flower species has distinct uses and prices. To avoid confusion between these two flowers, let’s explore the following article to learn how to differentiate between lotuses and sunflowers!

1What is a Sunflower?

Sunflowers are a species of flower known as “sun-lotus”

Sunflowers are flowers that bear a resemblance to lotuses, and they are also known as “sun-lotus.” Sunflowers are typically cultivated mainly for their seeds.

2Easy Ways to Distinguish Between Lotuses and Sunflowers

Differentiating Based on External Appearance

Color

Lotuses have a light pink hue, while sunflowers boast a deeper shade; some outer petals may appear slightly darker, or occasionally, sunflowers can be white.

Shape

Lotuses have a rounded, bulbous shape at the base, tapering gently upward. In contrast, sunflowers have a more elongated form and tend to narrow towards the bud.

Here’s a handy tip when buying flowers: gently shake the bouquet downward. If the petals don’t fall off, they’re lotuses; if they do, they’re sunflowers.

Distinguishing Based on External Appearance

Stems

Stems are another distinctive feature that can help you easily tell these two flowers apart. If you touch the stem and find it large in diameter and covered in numerous spines, it’s undoubtedly a sunflower. On the other hand, lotus stems are usually thinner, smaller, and less spiny.

Distinguishing Based on Stems

Leaves

Lotus leaves typically have fewer hairs, and those hairs are softer and won’t cause itching like sunflower leaves. Consequently, lotus leaves are often used for wrapping dishes, infusing tea, and adding flavor to meals.

Lotus Seeds and Sunflower Seeds

Lotus seeds are widely used in cooking. They have a rich, buttery, nutty, and refreshing taste. The lotus embryo has a bitter and astringent flavor, but it leaves a sweet aftertaste. When consuming both the seed and embryo, you’ll detect a hint of sweetness akin to sugar.

Distinguishing Based on Seeds

In contrast, sunflower seeds have a mildly sweet taste, similar to MSG. If you’re not accustomed to their flavor, eating them for the first time may induce nausea and discomfort. Sunflower embryos are quite astringent and lack the sweet aftertaste of lotus seeds.

Differentiating Based on Internal Flower Structure

Blooming Flowers

When a lotus blooms, its petals form multiple layers that envelop the flower’s center. The closer to the pistil, the smaller the petals become. Conversely, sunflowers rarely bloom because they are typically cultivated for their seeds. If you purchase sunflower cuttings, the flowers will swiftly wither and fail to blossom. Sometimes, they may bloom once and then shed all their petals.

Distinguishing Based on Internal Flower Structure

Lotuses have more petals, resulting in thicker buds. When gently squeezing a lotus bud, you can feel the thickness of the inner petals. In contrast, sunflower buds feel hollow when squeezed because they have fewer and thinner petals.

Additionally, when choosing flowers, you can differentiate between the two species by touching the buds. Lotus buds feel firmer due to the abundance of inner petals, whereas sunflower buds feel pointed because they have fewer petals.

Fragrance

Lotus petals emit a pleasant fragrance, while sunflower petals are scentless. The aroma of lotuses is refreshing and can be detected even from a distance. Conversely, sunflowers have a strong, pungent, and musky scent that becomes noticeable only when the stigma emerges.

The Fragrant Lotus

Price

Lotuses are commonly used for home decoration or making lotus tea, resulting in higher prices than sunflowers. During lotus season, if you’re in Hanoi, don’t miss the opportunity to visit West Lake early in the morning to buy freshly picked lotuses.

A bouquet of lotuses typically costs between 50,000 and 60,000 VND, whereas sunflowers are usually priced between 20,000 and 30,000 VND.

In conclusion, this article has provided insights into distinguishing between lotuses and sunflowers. Hopefully, this information will help you choose the right type of flower for your needs!

Frequently asked questions

Sunflowers are bright, vibrant flowers that belong to the Asteraceae family, while lotuses are aquatic plants in the Nelumbonaceae family. Sunflowers are characterized by their large, daisy-like flower heads and tall, sturdy stems. They typically grow in fields or gardens and are native to North and South America. In contrast, lotuses are found in ponds, lakes, and marshes, with their roots submerged in mud. They have large, showy flowers that rise above the water’s surface and are native to Asia and Australia.

The key differences lie in their physical appearance, habitat, and geographical origin. Sunflowers are tall, upright plants with bright yellow petals surrounding a dark center. They grow in open spaces and have a long blooming period from summer to autumn. On the other hand, lotuses have a more delicate appearance with pink, white, or yellow flowers and a distinctive fragrance. They are aquatic plants with floating leaves and blooms, and they typically bloom from spring to early summer.

Both flowers hold cultural and symbolic value. Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty, and longevity in many cultures, and they are often associated with positivity and happiness due to their bright and cheerful appearance. Lotuses, on the other hand, are deeply rooted in Eastern religions and philosophies, symbolizing purity, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment. The lotus’s ability to emerge untouched by the muddy waters represents rising above adversity and attaining spiritual perfection.

Indeed! Sunflowers are known for their unique ability to track the sun across the sky, a phenomenon called heliotropism. They follow the sun from east to west during the day and then return to face east at night. Lotuses have their own fascinating trait – they can regulate the temperature of their flowers, keeping them cooler than the surrounding air, which helps attract pollinating insects.

Sunflowers have numerous practical applications. The seeds are edible and nutrient-rich, often used in snacks, salads, and baking. Sunflower oil is also widely used in cooking and cosmetics. As for lotuses, the seeds and roots are edible and are used in traditional medicine. Lotus fibers are strong and durable, used in the past for making textiles and paper.