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Sunflower

Sunflower is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to North and South America, but it is now cultivated worldwide for its oil-rich seeds and ornamental value.

Characteristics

Sunflowers are tall plants that can grow up to 3 meters in height. They have large, yellow flower heads that can reach up to 30 centimeters in diameter. The flower heads consist of hundreds of small flowers arranged in a spiral pattern. The seeds are small, flat, and oval-shaped, and they are surrounded by a gray or black shell.

Uses

Sunflowers are primarily grown for their oil-rich seeds, which are used for cooking oil, animal feed, and birdseed. The seeds are also a popular snack food and are used in many baked goods. Sunflowers are also grown for their ornamental value, and they can be used in cut flower arrangements or as garden plants.

Interesting Facts

• Sunflowers are heliotropic, which means that they turn their flowers to face the sun as it moves across the sky.
• The tallest sunflower on record was over 9 meters tall.
• Sunflowers are the state flower of Kansas.
• Sunflowers are not only yellow, but can also be orange, red, and brown.
• Sunflowers are an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.

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