Definition

Noun: 1. A tall plant with large, showy flowers resembling sunflowers: "Mexican sunflower" refers to any plant belonging to the genus Tithonia. These are typically tall, coarse herbs or shrubs native to a region from Mexico to Panama. They are characterized by large flower heads that look like sunflowers, featuring a central disc of yellow florets surrounded by petals (rays) that range in color from golden-yellow to orange or scarlet.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The garden was brightened by a row of vibrant Mexican sunflowers.
  • A Mexican sunflower can grow very tall and attract many butterflies.
  • She planted Mexican sunflowers for their drought tolerance and brilliant color.

Advanced Usage

• As a common name for Tithonia diversifolia and Tithonia rotundifolia: The term "Mexican sunflower" is most commonly used to refer to specific species within the genus, notably (the red or orange-flowered annual) and (the tree marigold or Mexican tournesol).
  • For a quick splash of color, Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) is an excellent choice.

Variants and Related Words

• Tithonia (n): The botanical genus name for the Mexican sunflower.
  • The genus Tithonia includes several species popular in ornamental gardening.
• Tree marigold (n): A common name for .
• Nitrogen flower (n): Another name sometimes used for due to its use as green manure.

Synonyms

• Tithonia: The scientific name, used interchangeably in horticultural contexts.
• False sunflower: A general common name sometimes used for plants in this genus, highlighting their resemblance to true sunflowers ().

Noun

1. any plant of the genus Tithonia; tall coarse herbs or shrubs of Mexico to Panama having large flower heads resembling sunflowers with yellow disc florets and golden-yellow to orange-scarlet rays