Helianthus annuus L.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an annual upright herb 3-5 meters tall of the Asteraceae family, originating from North America to Peru, and now the national flower of Ukraine. Oil from its seeds is commonly used as a vegetable oil, salad dressing, and even a cosmetic and lubricant ingredient. Traditionally, sunflower is also believed to help lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

This plant lives in open areas or places slightly sheltered from sunlight, both in lowlands and highlands, at elevations of 1-1,000 m above sea level up to 1,500 m above sea level, temperature 20-30 °C, soil pH 6.5-7.5.

• Roots taproot, smooth in shape and small in diameter.
• Stem usually covered with coarse hairs, upright, rarely branching.
• Leaves single, broad, leaf length between 10-30 cm and width 5-20 cm.
• Flowers compound, with ray florets bearing one large bright yellow petal.
• Fruit an achene type, dry fruit with a somewhat hard, not too thick wall.

• Propagated by seed. Sow seeds in a seedling tray, place in a shaded location.
• Plant in a 30 x 30 cm pot or in a field with a planting distance of 50 cm.
• Begins flowering 45-60 days after planting and 90-105 days after sowing.

Flowers: quercimeritrin (flavone glycoside), helianthoside A-B-C, oleanolic acid. Seeds: β-sitosterol, prostaglandin E, chlorogenic acid, quinic acid.

Lowers blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, improves bone health, brightens skin, wards off cancer and relaxes the body, treats urinary tract infections, and hernia.

Not yet available 

Bungung matahurae (Aceh), Sungenge (Bali), Kembang saringenge (Sunda)