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Sunflower

Sunflower is a plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is known for its large, yellow flower head that resembles the sun. Sunflowers are native to North and Central America, but they are now widely cultivated around the world for their oil and seeds.

Characteristics

Sunflowers can grow up to 10 feet tall and have a single stem with broad, green leaves. The flower head can reach up to 1 foot in diameter and is made up of hundreds of small flowers called florets. The outer florets are large and yellow, while the inner florets are small and brown.

Uses

Sunflowers are primarily grown for their oil and seeds. Sunflower oil is used in cooking, as a salad dressing, and in the production of biodiesel. Sunflower seeds are a popular snack and are also used in the production of birdseed, animal feed, and oil.

Sunflowers also have ornamental uses and are often used in gardens and as cut flowers. The seeds and oil of sunflowers are also used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Fun Facts

• Sunflowers are heliotropic, meaning they turn their faces to follow the sun as it moves across the sky.
• The tallest sunflower on record was over 30 feet tall.
• Sunflowers were cultivated by Native Americans for thousands of years before being introduced to Europe in the 16th century.

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