Sunflower: Chiang Dao
(Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are tall showy, usually yellow flowers grown for their seeds. The flower head is composed of the showy perimeter ray flowers and the inner disc florets which produce the seeds. As well as being an ornamental plant that attracts pollinators, sunflower seeds are pressed for oil or used whole as a snack food or ingredient in cereals, snack mixes and snack bars.
A local variety that averages 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in height. The flowers are around 15 cm (6 in) across and petals are yellow in color. The seeds have a striped pattern and the kernel is quite tasty.