Helianthus annuus L. Asteraceae Sun flower Distribution: Peru to Mexico. The seeds are a source of linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fat which as part of one's diet is given to reduce coronary artery and cerebrovascular disease, but recently a study has found an increased death rate (BMJ2013

346:e8707). Called 'the Indian Sunne or Golden Floure of Perrowe [Peru], Chrysanthemum Peruvianum' by Lyte (1578), it had only recently been introduced so he writes 'Of the vertue of this herbe and floure, we are able to say nothing because the same hath not bene yet found out, or proved of any man.' This was still the case in 1633 (Gerard) but, he writes, 'the floure of the Sun, Marigold of Peru:…