Guizotia

Guizotia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, commonly known as the Niger family. The genus was described by Alexandre Henri Gabriel de Cassini in 1829. Species within Guizotia are native to tropical and southern Africa. The most well-known species is Guizotia abyssinica, commonly called niger seed or black cumin, which is widely cultivated for its edible oilseed.

Guizotia species are typically annual or perennial herbs, often with branching stems and lobed leaves. The capitula, or flower heads, are usually yellow and rayed, resembling those of sunflowers or daisies, though some species may have smaller or less conspicuous flowers. The seeds of Guizotia abyssinica are small, black, and ovoid, and are a popular birdseed ingredient. The oil extracted from these seeds is used in cooking and for industrial purposes.

The cultivation of Guizotia abyssinica is important in several African countries, where it serves as a cash crop. Its oil is a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Other species within the genus are less economically significant but contribute to the biodiversity of their native habitats. Research continues into the potential uses and cultivation of various Guizotia species.