Tithonia diversifolia

Tithonia diversifolia, also known as Mexican sunflower or tree marigold, is a fast-growing perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to Mexico and Central America, it has been introduced and naturalized in many tropical regions globally. The plant can reach up to 3 meters in height, featuring large, deeply lobed, and toothed leaves. Its bright orange or yellow flowers, measuring 5-10 cm in diameter, bloom from mid-summer through fall. Tithonia diversifolia is renowned for its medicinal properties, containing various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenes. Traditionally, it has been used to treat ailments like fever, coughs, and wounds, among others. Ecologically, the plant offers benefits like soil conservation due to its deep root system that helps prevent soil erosion. Additionally, it attracts pollinators like bees, aiding in the pollination of other plants. Overall, Tithonia diversifolia is a significant plant species due to its medicinal properties and ecological benefits, making it an invaluable resource for many communities worldwide.

💡 The Mexican sunflower, which has become an invasive weed in parts of Africa and Asia, has the potential to enhance crop yields and improve soil quality. This is possible by using its biomass as a fertilizer, known as green manure. This green manure increases the content of all the main soil nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

🌳 Selected for its rapid growth, beautiful flowers, and ability to enrich the soil with nutrients, the Mexican sunflower is commonly used as an ornamental plant or as a living fence. Additionally, it can serve as green manure in vegetable gardens.

🎭 Pain and grief

Characteristics

Plant Type

Herb

Life Cycle

Perennial, Annual

Genus

Tithonia

Family

Asteraceae

Hardiness Zone

10-12

Mature Height

2.13 m to 3.05 m

Mature Spread

3.05 m to 3.66 m

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Evergreen

Flower Color

Orange, Gold

Flower Size

5.08 cm to 15.24 cm

Bloom Time

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Planting Time

Spring, Autumn

Harvest Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Fall

Native Area

Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama

Tags (5)

Common Names (9)