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HerbCultivatedAnnual

Helianthus annuus L.

Soraj mukhi · Sun flower

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Description

Helianthus annuus is a robust annual herb, usually 1–4 m tall, with a stout, erect, rough, and hairy stem. Leaves are alternate (lower leaves sometimes opposite), broadly ovate to cordate, coarsely serrate, rough on both surfaces, and borne on long petioles. The inflorescence is a large, solitary terminal capitulum, 10–40 cm in diameter, surrounded by numerous green involucral bracts. Ray florets are bright yellow, showy, and sterile, while the central disc florets are yellow to brownish and bisexual. Fruits are oblong to ovoid achenes, black, grey, or striped, each containing a single edible seed.

Diagnostic Characters

Vegetative
Tall, rough, hairy stem with large ovate to heart-shaped leaves.
Floral
Large solitary flower head with bright yellow ray florets surrounding numerous disc florets.
Fruit & Seed
Large edible achenes commonly known as sunflower seeds.

Distribution

Native range: North America.

Introduced range: Cultivated worldwide in temperate and subtropical regions.

In Pakistan: Widely cultivated throughout Pakistan as an oilseed, food, and ornamental crop.

Phenology

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Flowering
Fruiting
Flowering: April–August Fruiting: June–September

Ethnobotany & Uses

Food Uses
Seeds are consumed roasted or raw and are widely used in bakery products, confectionery, and snacks.
Oil Crop
One of the world's major edible oil crops, producing high-quality sunflower oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E.
Animal Feed
Oilseed cake is an important livestock feed.
Ornamental Uses
Widely cultivated for its large attractive flower heads.
Other Uses
Flowers provide an excellent source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.
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Where it grows on campus

North-East Campus1
1
individuals mapped across 1 zone
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Taxonomic Notes

Helianthus annuus is the type species of the genus Helianthus and one of the world's most economically important members of the family Asteraceae. It is readily recognized by its tall habit, rough hairy stems, and large yellow capitula. The species is accepted by Flora of Pakistan, Plants of the World Online (POWO), and World Flora Online (WFO).