Economic Importance of Sunflower
Sunflower “whole seed” (fruit) is a rich source of healthy proteins and lipids. Few “high-oleic” sunflower species have more mono-unsaturated fats than olive oil. Sunflower oil, derived from the seeds, is cheaper than olive oil and used for cooking, margarine, and biodiesel. It is offered as bird food and used in cooking and salads.
Native Americans used sunflowers in dyes, bread, medicine, and body paintings. After processing seeds for oil, the cake is used as a feed for cattle. Latex-producing sunflowers are being assessed as hypo-allergenic rubber substitutes. The plants with cypsela-type fruit are also used as oils, perfumes, dyes, rubber, and as ornamental plants.
Botanical Name of Sunflower
The botanical name of the sunflower is Helianthus annuus. The economic importance of sunflower is that it is often cultivated as a crop for its edible oil-rich seeds, which have a high nutritional value. Sunflower is used in cooking, as cattle fodder, and is grown in residential gardens for decorative purposes. One of the characteristics of a sunflower is that it is an annual plant with several flower heads. In this article, we will learn the botanical name of the sunflower and its scientific classification along with the economic importance of sunflower.
Table of Content
- Botanical Name of Sunflower – Helianthus annuus.
- Scientific Classification of Sunflower
- What is a Sunflower?
- Characteristics of Sunflower
- Economic Importance of Sunflower
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