In Episode 84 of Realm News, The Dark Lord—“The one who puts the Real in Realm and expands your mind one block at a time!”—explores the fascinating world of sunflowers, from their real-life significance as Kansas' state flower and Ukraine's national symbol to their role in Minecraft. Discover the science of heliotropism, why Minecraft sunflowers always face East, and how they boost bee productivity and serve as natural navigation tools. Plus, dive into a lively Poll Time segment on whether players trade or steal bells, uncover real-world sunflower uses like cooking oil and medicine, and hear the mythological tale of Clytie and Helios. Join the fun, expand your mind, and happy crafting!
Sources
Portcullis Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4ztOm-1BjA
Atamian, Hagop S., et al. “Circadian Regulation of Sunflower Heliotropism, Floral Orientation, and Pollinator Visits.” Science, vol. 353, no. 6299, 4 Aug. 2016, pp. 587–590, science.sciencemag.org/content/353/6299/587.full.pdf+html, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaf9793.
Bergensten, Jeb . “Jens Bergensten on Instagram: “Hinting of Things to Come to Minecraft (PC)... #Minecraft.”” Instagram, 2020, www.instagram.com/p/dCXkdOpMCi/. Accessed 19 June 2025.
Bill Minecraft, Kim . Youtu.be, 2025, youtu.be/J4ztOm-1BjA?si=owAYob3H9q0OzTKZ. Accessed 18 June 2025.
Brennan, Dan. “Health Benefits of Sunflower Seeds.” WebMD, 18 Sept. 2020, www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-sunflower-seeds.
“ContentKeeper.” Minecraft.wiki, 2025, minecraft.wiki/w/Sunflower. Accessed 19 June 2025.
“File:Clytie Saam 1968.155.20.Jpg - Wikimedia Commons.” Wikimedia.org, 2022, commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clytie_saam_1968.155.20.jpg. Accessed 21 June 2025.
MintRefresh. X (Formerly Twitter), 2025, x.com/MintRefresh_MC/status/1935464438842409207. Accessed 18 June 2025.
Powers, Hiram. “Clytie.” Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2025, americanart.si.edu/artwork/clytie-20026.
Stevens, Michelle . ANNUAL SUNFLOWER Helianthus Annuus L. Plant Symbol = HEAN3.
“Sunflower Festival|Kansas Maze|Buhler, Kansas.” Mysite, 2024, www.kansasmaze.com/events.
“Sunflower Plains – Minecraft Wiki.” Minecraft Wiki, 2023, minecraft.wiki/w/Sunflower_Plains. Accessed 21 June 2025.
“Sunstruck Love: Clytie’s Eternal Yearning - Paleothea.” Paleothea.com, 17 Apr. 2024, paleothea.com/gods-and-goddesses/clytie-greek-myth/. Accessed 21 June 2025.
The. “35 Fascinating and Interesting Facts about Sunflowers.” The Daily Blooms, 20 Dec. 2024, thedailyblooms.com/blogs/news/sunflower-facts#ruffruff-table-of-contents-item-3. Accessed 19 June 2025.
The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. “Sunflower | Description, Uses, & Facts.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 24 Aug. 2018, www.britannica.com/plant/sunflower-plant.
