Sunflowers are heliotropic which means that the flower always faces the sun, thus achieving its name. This annual plant belongs to the family of ‘Asteraceae’, bearing large flowers with many petals which are predominantly yellow in colour. The flower is a composite one meaning that it is a cluster of numerous flowers on the flower head which gives it the look of a single flower. The inner florets of the flower mature into the fruits of the plant traditionally known as sunflower seeds.

Originating in the USA, sunflower is found almost in all countries across the world. The plant requires bright sunlight and the soil must be rich moist and well drained.

Apart from being a showy garden and a cut flower, sunflower has various other uses. The fruit is consumed as a snack in some cuisines. Sunflower can be made into a substitute for peanut butter. The seeds are rich in high oil contents which are processed to make cooking oil. The cake which is left out after the extraction of oil from seeds is used as fodder. Due to its semidrying properties sunflower is used in paints and varnishes.