Tree Marigold, Mexican Tournesol, Mexican Sunflower
Tithonia diversifolia is native to Central America and has been introduced as an ornamental to other regions where it is now native. It grows perennially and can reach a height of up to three meters.
I shot the plants shown here in the Malaga Botanical Gardens (Spain), where they were still flowering profusely in mid-November. The flowers are pollinated by honeybees and wild bees.
Characteristics & Description
Height, habit: Up to 3 meters, herbaceous plant
Life cycle: Perennial
Poisonous: No
Origin: Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras) and as an introduced species also in Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, South America (distribution map)
USDA zone: 11 (41 °F/5 °C)
Botany
Name: Tithonia diversifolia
Family: Asteraceae
Categories: Garden plants | Yellow & Orange Flowers |
