MSU lecturer discovers new species of sunflower, among 70 now found in south Gujarat

Dr Jaydeep Sharma, a researcher and lecturer in the Botany Department of the Faculty of Science at The Maharaja Sayajirao University, completed his PhD on sunflowers, uncovering several fascinating facts during his research.

Under the guidance of senior professor Dr P Nagar, Dr Jaydeep Sharma conducted a study of the rich biodiversity in the Sahyadri mountain ranges of south Gujarat, covering five districts—Surat, Tapi, Dang, Valsad, and Navsari. Through this study, it was discovered that there are around 70 species of sunflowers in south Gujarat, including one newly identified species.

According to Dr Sharma, it is a common belief that sunflower flowers are yellow and withstand intense sunlight. However, not all sunflower family species have yellow flowers. Also, what appears to be a single flower is actually a cluster of 5 to 50 tiny flowers arranged in a way that gives the illusion of one large bloom. 

Before this research, 56 species were documented in the region; Dr Sharma discovered 14 more, bringing the total to 70 species in south Gujarat. Among these is a new species with white flowers tinged with pink, which has been recognised internationally as a new species. It has been named after the renowned Gujarati botanist Jaykishan Thakkar.

The group of researchers studying sunflower species worldwide is known as the International Compositae Alliance, comprising around 100 members. Dr Sharma is the only Indian member of this alliance, representing the Botany Department of the MS University.

Facts about sunflowers

Sunflower species include herbs, vines, and plants as tall as six feet. Many such tall plants are found in south Gujarat.

Sunflowers are among the fastest-adapting plants in nature’s evolutionary process. Five species are rapidly adapting to the current climate change conditions.

Economically, sunflowers are very important. They are cultivated extensively for sunflower oil. Bhringraj, used for hair care, is also a type of sunflower species.

Leaves of a species known as Kapuriya provide skin protection against mosquitoes.

South Gujarat hosts sunflower species ranging in size from flowers with a diameter of half a foot to those barely half a millimeter in size.

Across all of Gujarat, 101 sunflower species have been documented.