Sunflower

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an annual plant with a large flower. It belongs to the Ateraceae family. The Latin name comes from the word "helios", which means “sun”, and "anthos", flower, which refers to this plant’s tendency to turn its flower toward the sun (heliotropism). Even the Italian common name for this plant refers to this fact. A cooking oil is made with sunflower seeds. Sunflower seed oil is also useful in cosmetics because it provides a natural tocopherol solution with antioxidant properties.