The florets within the sunflower's cluster are arranged in a spiral pattern. Typically each floret is oriented toward the next by approximately the golden angle, 137.5°, producing a pattern of interconnecting spirals where the number of left spirals and the number of right spirals are successive Fibonacci numbers. Typically, there are 34 spirals in one direction and 55 in the other; on a very large sunflower there could be 89 in one direction and 144 in the other.[1][2][3] This pattern produces the most efficient packing of seeds within the flower head.[4][5][6]
Sunflowers most commonly grow to heights between 1.5 and 3.5 m (5–12 ft). Scientific literature reports that a 12 m (40 ft), traditional, single-head, sunflower plant was grown in Padua in 1567. The same seed lot grew almost 8 m (26 ft) at other times and places, including Madrid. During the 20th century, heights of over 8 m have been achieved in both Netherlands and Ontario, Canada.

Very nice close-ups. ^_^ huiching · 2010-08-02: 06:28

Brilliant! jet28 · 2010-08-02: 06:40

Great post! HoosierAtHeART · 2010-08-02: 11:18

The geometry in nature always amazes me. I wish I could walk through that forest of 8m high sunflowers, it seems like a dream.... I live in Ontario - but I never saw it - where are those tall sunflowers, where are they .... :( ???! I like the diffused light in this shots that allows colour to be more pure and rich without dark harsh shadows. These images deserve to be seen as large as a wall, sunflower is always so decorative...and a perfect substitute for the Sun on a rainy day :) redro · 2010-08-02: 11:49

Great pictures. I love the math description! imrepapa · 2010-08-02: 12:01

superb !:D I remember to read something like that on ruth's post! ;) very good Sadhya! ^^ onlyricky · 2010-08-02: 12:31

I love sunflowers....they're beautiful and hardy and they give us something to eat! Lovely post!!! lookagain · 2010-08-02: 21:03

Beautiful colours. I love the bee noptek · 2010-08-03: 16:25