Why do sunflowers follow the Sun?

Sunflowers follow the Sun through a process called heliotropism, which allows them to maximise their exposure to sunlight. During the day, young sunflowers use specialised cells in their stems to bend and track the Sun’s movement across the sky. This behaviour helps optimise photosynthesis, providing the plant with the energy it needs to grow. As the sunflower matures, it stops moving and faces east, where it benefits from the morning sun. This adaptation is an efficient strategy for thriving in sunny environments.