Moonflower
"Moonflower"
A tall, brightly colored, short lived, annual flower, highly prized for it's multitude of seeds and vivid, cool color variations.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Moonflowers are usually tall, green stalked, annual or perennial plants that in some species can grow to a height of 3 to 10 feet or more. They bear one or more round, wide, terminal flower heads, with bright silvery white ray petals on the outside and blue or purple disc florets inside that yield white seeds in the summer.
Genetics and Reproduction
Pollination through insects or wind. Giving rise to dozens or hundreds of seeds at the center of the flower head.
Growth Rate & Stages
Grows quickly in the late spring and summer moonlight.
Ecology and Habitats
This is a far ranging species requiring moderate light, average soil quality, medium rainfall, and well drained soil. Enjoys moonlight and rain alike. It has been determined that this plant can only grow in soil with high concentrations of silver particles.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Unlike most plants that require sunlight, Moonflowers utilized moonlight instead. Water and nutrients are absorbed through a branching fiberous root system, it is through this that silver particles are taken into the plant. This plant grows best in warm, moonlit weather.
Biological Cycle
Plant grows from seeds. Growth begins in the spring, seeds develop during the summer, and plant dies in the cold of the fall. Development times are affected by local conditions such as altitude and latitude.
Additional Information
Domestication
Grown domestically for the seeds.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Used for food, oils, fragrances, and decorations. Most grow this in combination with raising Moon Bees.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Primarily found in fields, grasslands, woodlands, adjacent to creeks and moist, prairie-like areas that contain higher than normal amounts of silver in the soil.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Plant. During growth, moonflowers tilt during the night to face the moon but stop once they begin blooming. By the time they are mature, moonflowers generally face west.
Scientific Name
Helianthus Lunas
Lifespan
Less than 1 year.
Conservation Status
There is no conservation program or laws regarding this plant. This is a rare plant that has become more common after it was discovered that the soil needed to grow it must contain silver. This discovery has led to dramatic improvement in growing and transplanting success, and as such it has become a much more common plant.
Average Height
6 feet on average but various species between 3 to 10 feet.
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