Oleh / By: Noraida Arifin
| Nama Tempatan: | Bunga Matahari |
| Nama Saintifik: | Helianthus annuus |
| Nama Lain: | common sunflower, sunflower, mirasol |
| Famili: | Asteraceae/Compositae |
| Lokasi Gambar: | Tumbuhan di melur.com |
| Asal: | Amerika |
PENGENALAN:
Bunga matahari adalah jenis tumbuhan hiasan yang popular yang biasa ditanam di taman-taman di seluruh Malaysia. Ianya mendapat namanya dari pergerakkan bunganya yang sentiasa menghadap matahari di langit. Kebanyakan varieti bunga matahari boleh mencapai ketinggian 6 hingga 15 kaki, dan bunganya agak besar berbanding dengan ahli-ahli keluarga bunga daisy yang lain. Diameter cakera pusat bunga biasanya berkisar antara 6 hingga 12 inci, bergantung kepada keadaan iklim kawasan penanaman. Di Malaysia, sebagai contoh, bunga matahari yang ditanam di kawasan tanah tinggi cenderung mempunyai bunga yang lebih besar berbanding dengan yang ditanam di kawasan tanah rendah. Daun bunga matahari berbentuk bulat telur, dan kedua-dua daun dan batangnya dilapisi dengan lapisan bulu halus.
Antara variasi bunga matahari yang biasa ditanam ialah:
HEANJ Helianthus annuus L. ssp. jaegeri (Heiser) Heiser
HEANL Helianthus annuus L. ssp. lenticularis (Dougl. ex Lindl. ) Cockerell
HEANT Helianthus annuus L. ssp. texanus Heiser
HEANL2 Helianthus annuus L. var. lenticularis (Dougl. ex Lindl. ) Steyermark
HEANM Helianthus annuus L. var. macrocarpus (DC. ) Cockerell
HEANT2 Helianthus annuus L. var. texanus (Heiser) Shinners
HEAR14 Helianthus aridus Rydb.
HELE5 Helianthus lenticularis Dougl. ex Lindl.
KETERANGAN:
Selain tarikan hiasannya, bunga matahari mempunyai nilai ekonomi yang signifikan. Secara komersial, ianya ditanam untuk biji dan minyak yang diekstrak daripadanya. Minyak bunga matahari digunakan secara meluas dalam pelbagai industri, termasuk masakan, pembakaran, dan kosmetik. Ia adalah minyak masakan yang berkhasiat dengan takat asap yang tinggi, menjadikannya sesuai untuk menggoreng dan menumis. Minyak ini juga digunakan dalam pengeluaran biodiesel, sebagai alternatif yang boleh diperbaharui dan mesra alam kepada bahan api konvensional.
Selain minyak, biji bunga matahari juga mendapat populariti sebagai snek yang sihat dan lazat. Ia mengandungi nutrien penting seperti protein, lemak sihat, serat, dan pelbagai vitamin dan mineral. Biji bunga matahari sering dimakan dengan panggang dan bersalut garam, atau digunakan sebagai bahan dalam pelbagai produk roti.
Selain itu, bunga matahari menyumbang kepada industri pertanian sebagai tanaman penggantian. Ia ditanam sebagai tanaman hentian, yang membantu mengawal serangga perosak dan penyakit, meningkatkan kesuburan tanah, dan mengurangkan keperluan input kimia. Bunga yang besar dan berwarna cerah juga menarik serangga penyerbuk, membantu dalam penyerbukan tanaman lain di sekitarnya.
Di pasaran global, negara-negara seperti Rusia, Ukraine, Argentina, dan Amerika Syarikat merupakan pengeluar utama biji bunga matahari dan minyak. Tanaman ini memainkan peranan penting dalam ekonomi selain mencipta peluang pekerjaan dan menyumbang kepada pendapatan eksport.
PENANAMAN:
Bunga matahari boleh ditanam di Malaysia. Suhu purata di Malaysia berkisar antara 25 hingga 32 darjah Celsius (77 hingga 90 darjah Fahrenheit), yang sesuai untuk pertumbuhan bunga matahari. Bunga matahari memerlukan cahaya matahari penuh dan tanah yang baik saliran, dan ia tahan keadaan kering. Ia boleh tumbuh menjadi tinggi, oleh itu penting untuk menanamnya di kawasan yang mempunyai ruang yang luas dan tiada halangan ketinggian. Bunga matahari telah beradaptasi dengan pelbagai keadaan tumbesaran. Pokok Bunga Matahari perlu tanah yang baik saliran dan berkembang dengan baik di kawasan yang mendapat cahaya matahari mencukupi. Tumbuhan ini agak tahan kekeringan tetapi memerlukan penyiraman yang berkala semasa cuaca kering.
PENJAGAAN:
Apabila menanam bunga matahari, taburkan biji secara langsung ke dalam tanah. Jarakkan biji 6 hingga 12 inci antara satu sama lain, bergantung kepada varieti. Pastikan tanah telah disediakan dengan baik dengan membuang rumpai dan melonggarkan tanah. Sirami biji secara perlahan setelah penanaman, dan teruskan penyiraman secara berkala. Disyorkan juga untuk menopang varieti bunga matahari yang lebih tinggi untuk memberikan sokongan terhadap angin kencang. Selain itu, menggunakan baja seimbang pada peringkat awal pertumbuhan dapat membantu menggalakkan perkembangan tumbuhan yang sihat.
KEGUNAAN:
Bunga matahari mempunyai kegunaan praktikal dan estetika. Secara komersial, bunga matahari ditanam untuk biji dan minyak yang diekstrak daripadanya. Ia ditanam dalam skala besar di negara seperti Rusia (pengeluar minyak bunga matahari terbesar di dunia pada tahun 2007), Argentina (kedua terbesar), dan Amerika Syarikat (ketiga terbesar). Minyak bunga matahari digunakan secara meluas dalam masakan, sebagai sos salad, dan sebagai bahan dalam pelbagai produk makanan. Selain nilai ekonominya, bunga matahari dikagumi kerana penampilannya yang berwarna-warni dan ceria, menjadikannya popular sebagai bunga potong untuk bunga-bunga segar dan susunan bunga.
KESELAMATAN:
Bunga matahari tidak diketahui sebagai beracun kepada manusia atau haiwan. Walau bagaimanapun, berhati-hati perlu dilakukan apabila mengambil biji bunga matahari, kerana biji tersebut kecil dan boleh menyebabkan risiko tercekik, terutamanya kepada kanak-kanak yang masih kecil.
FAKTA MENARIK:
1. Bunga matahari tertinggi yang pernah direkodkan mencapai ketinggian yang mengagumkan, iaitu 30 kaki dan 1 inci.
2. Bunga matahari adalah heliotropik, bermaksud kepala bunganya mengikuti pergerakan matahari dari timur ke barat sepanjang hari, menghadap ke arah timur semula pada waktu pagi.
3. Bunga matahari mempunyai sejarah yang menarik dan penting dalam budaya, di mana puak-puak Orang Asli Amerika menganggapnya sebagai suci dan menggunakannya untuk pelbagai tujuan, seperti makanan, pewarna, dan ubat-ubatan.
| Common Name: | Bunga Matahari |
| Scientific Name: | Helianthus annuus |
| Other Name: | common sunflower, sunflower, mirasol |
| Family: | Asteraceae/Compositae |
| Location: | Tumbuhan di melur.com |
| Origin: | Amerika |
INTRODUCTION:
Sunflowers are a popular type of ornamental plant commonly grown in gardens across Malaysia. They get their name from the characteristic behavior of their flower heads, which continuously face the sun as it moves across the sky. Most sunflower varieties can reach heights of 6 to 15 feet, and their flowers are notably large compared to other members of the daisy family. The diameter of the central disc of the flower typically ranges from 6 to 12 inches, depending on the climatic conditions of the growing area. In Malaysia, for example, sunflowers grown in highland regions tend to have larger blooms compared to those grown in lowland areas. The leaves of the sunflower are oval-shaped, and both the leaves and stem are covered with a layer of fine hairs.
DESCRIPTION:
Sunflowers are relatively easy to grow plants. They thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline soil. If the soil is acidic, it is recommended to add lime before planting sunflowers. As the name suggests, they require full sun exposure. Sunflowers are annual plants with a relatively short life cycle, with some varieties lasting only around 60 days. They reproduce through seeds obtained from the central disc of the flower.Sunflowers are highly versatile and relatively easy to cultivate plants. They flourish in soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline. In cases where the soil is acidic, it is advisable to add lime to adjust the pH level before planting sunflowers. As their name implies, these plants thrive when exposed to full sun. Sunflowers are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle within a year, and some varieties have a relatively short duration, lasting around 60 days. They reproduce by producing seeds that can be obtained from the central disc of the flower.
Beyond their ornamental appeal, sunflowers hold significant economic value. Commercially, they are cultivated for their seeds and the oil that is extracted from them. Sunflower oil is widely used in various industries, including cooking, baking, and cosmetics. It is a nutritious cooking oil with a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying and sauting. The oil is also used in the production of biodiesel, serving as a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fuels.
In addition to the oil, sunflower seeds have gained popularity as a healthy and delicious snack. They are packed with essential nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Sunflower seeds are often consumed roasted and salted, or used as ingredients in baked goods, granola bars, and trail mixes.
Furthermore, sunflowers contribute to the agricultural industry as a rotational crop. They are grown as a break crop, which helps in managing pests and diseases, improving soil fertility, and reducing the need for chemical inputs. The large, vibrant flowers also attract pollinators, aiding in the pollination of other crops in the vicinity.
In the global market, countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Argentina, and the United States are major producers of sunflower seeds and oil. These crops play a significant role in their respective economies, generating employment opportunities and contributing to export revenues.
GROWING:
Sunflowers can be grown in Malaysia. The average temperature in Malaysia ranges from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius (77 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit), which is ideal for sunflower growth. Sunflowers need full sun and well-drained soil, and they are relatively drought-tolerant. They can grow to be quite tall, so it is important to plant them in an area where they will have enough space. Sunflowers are adapted to a wide range of growing conditions. They prefer well-drained soil and perform best in areas with ample sunlight. These plants are relatively drought-tolerant but require regular watering during dry spells.
PLANTING:
When planting sunflowers, sow the seeds directly into the ground. Space the seeds 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Ensure that the soil is well-prepared by removing any weeds and loosening the soil. Water the seeds gently but thoroughly after planting, and continue to provide regular watering. It is also recommended to stake taller sunflower varieties to provide support against strong winds. Additionally, applying a balanced fertilizer during the early growth stages can help promote healthy plant development.
USAGE / BENEFITS:
Sunflowers have both practical and aesthetic uses. Commercially, sunflowers are cultivated for their seeds and the oil extracted from them. They are grown on large-scale farms in countries such as Russia (the largest sunflower oil producer in the world as of 2007), Argentina (the second largest), and the United States (the third largest). Sunflower oil is widely used in cooking, as a salad dressing, and as an ingredient in various food products. In addition to their economic value, sunflowers are cherished for their vibrant and cheerful appearance, making them popular as cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements.
SAFETY:
Sunflowers are not known to be poisonous to humans or pets. However, caution should be exercised when consuming sunflower seeds, as they are small and can pose a choking hazard, particularly for young children.
FUN FACTS:
Sunflowers are native to North America and were cultivated by indigenous peoples for centuries before their introduction to other parts of the world.
The tallest sunflower on record reached a staggering height of 30 feet and 1 inch.
Sunflowers are heliotropic, meaning their flower heads follow the movement of the sun from east to west during the day, facing eastward again in the morning.
RUJUKAN / REFERENCES:
1. National Sunflower Association. (n.d.). Sunflower Profile. Retrieved from https://www.sunflowernsa.com/all-about/sunflower-profile/
2. University of Illinois Extension. (n.d.). Sunflowers. Retrieved from https://web.extension.illinois.edu/flowers/sunflower.cfm
3. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HEAN3)
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunflower
