How does the sunflower moves in accordance with the path of Sun?

The sunflower moves in accordance with the path of the sun through a process known as heliotropism. Here’s how it works:

1. Growth and Orientation: Young sunflower plants, before they bloom, exhibit heliotropism. Their stems grow in a way that allows the flower heads to follow the sun from east to west during the day and reorient back to the east at night.

2. Auxin Distribution: This movement is regulated by plant hormones called auxins. Auxins accumulate on the shaded side of the stem, causing cells there to elongate more than those on the sunny side, which results in the bending of the stem toward the light.

3. Mature Sunflowers: Once the sunflower matures and blooms, it generally stops this daily movement and tends to face east. This eastward orientation helps attract pollinators and provides warmth from the morning sun, which can enhance pollen viability.

This heliotropic movement is primarily observed in the growing phase of sunflowers and diminishes as they reach maturity.