Flax is also known by the names of ‘linseed’ or ‘common flax’. It belongs to the family of ‘Linaceae’ and it grows to an average height of 3 ft. The evergreen leaves are long and narrow, tapering towards the apex and these fragile leaves have a frosted look. The five-petalled flowers appear in blue, white and yellow colours, blooming from May to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite which means the male and female reproductive organs are present in the same flower. The delicate flowers and leaves give the bushy plant a somewhat feathery look. The fruit is round in shape like an apple pip, and is a dry and capsular one, containing innumerable seeds.

This annual plant can be found in regions like the Mediterranean and India. Flax grows well in alluvial, loamy and fertile soils.

The dainty flowers of flax are very attractive and are popularly seen in the gardens as flower beds and as borders. Apart from the cosmetic value, the different parts of the plant are useful for making fabric, dye, paper, medicines, fishing nets and soap. The flax seeds are an important source of linseed oil and flax fibre is also used for making cloth.