Sunflowers are one of the most popular oil plants and beautiful flowers in the world. They are named so because their large flowers follow the sun's movement from east to west during the day, a phenomenon known as "heliotropism."<br />Botanical Description<br />Family: Asteraceae<br />Form: Annual, reaching 2–4 meters in height.<br />Stem: Upright, strong, and covered with hairs.<br />Leaves: Large, broad, and heart-shaped.<br />Flowers: Large, golden-yellow, consisting of hundreds of small flowers clustered in a single disc.<br />Fruit: Black or striped seeds, used for eating and oil extraction.<br />Habitat and Distribution<br />Native to North America, they have spread worldwide.<br />Cultivated in temperate and warm regions.<br />Requires direct sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil.<br />Economic Importance<br />1. Oil Production:<br />Sunflower seeds contain a high oil content (35–45%).<br />Sunflower oil is healthy and used in cooking and the food industry.<br />2. Seeds:<br />Consumed roasted as a snack.<br />Used in confectionery and baked goods.<br />3. Fodder:<br />Seed meal remains are used as animal feed.<br />4. Ornamental:<br />Its large, bright flowers are used to decorate gardens and homes.<br /><br />Medicinal and Nutritional Importance:<br />Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants.<br />Helps lower harmful cholesterol.<br />Strengthens the immune system and protects the heart.<br />Growth Cycle:<br />A fast-growing plant, it takes 70–100 days to harvest.<br />Sown in spring and harvested in summer or early fall.<br /><br />Sunflowers are not just a beautiful flower; they are an important economic crop that combines nutritional, medicinal, and ornamental value, making them one of the most widely cultivated plants in the world.<br /><br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq.<br /><br /><a href=https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/education/ target=_blank>Goal 4 - Quality Education</a>