Product name: Edible sunflower

Sunflower is a plant of the genus Helianthus, family Asteraceae, order Campanulaceae. It is named because the inflorescence rotates with the sun. It is an annual tall herb. The stem is sturdy, 1-3 meters high, unbranched or sometimes branched at the top, and covered with white coarse hairs. The leaves are alternate, ovate-cordate or ovate, with acute or acuminate apex, 3 veins at the base, coarse serrations on the edges, short coarse hairs on both sides, and long petioles. The head inflorescence is extremely large, 10-30 cm in diameter, growing at the end of the stem or branch, often tilted. The involucral bracts are multi-layered, leaf-like, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, with caudate-acuminate apex, covered with long hard hairs or ciliates. The receptacle is flat or slightly convex, with nearly membranous receptacles. The ligulate flowers are numerous, yellow, with spreading ligules, oblong-ovate or oblong, not solid; the tubular flowers are extremely numerous, brown or purple, with lanceolate lobes at the top, and fruit-bearing. Achenes are obovate or ovate-oblong, slightly flat, with fine ribs, covered with short white hairs, with two membranous pappus at the top, and fall off early.

Wild sunflower habitats are mainly grasslands and dry, open areas. They grow along roadsides, fields, desert edges and grasslands. They grow best in sunny, humid or disturbed areas. Native to South America, the domesticated species was brought to Europe from North America by the Spanish in 1510, originally for ornamental purposes. At the end of the 19th century, it was introduced back to North America from Russia. It is cultivated in countries around the world and China. Through artificial cultivation, many varieties have been formed in different habitats, especially in the size and color of the head inflorescence and the shape of the achenes. There are many variations, and it is the best raw material for comprehensive utilization.

Sunflower is a plant that attracts pollinating bees to collect nectar and pollen. The species has a wide range of uses, with edible seeds that can be processed into a source of oil or fat for human consumption, as well as animal feed and a possible alternative fuel source, and can also be used as an ornamental plant.