vaniljanpäivänkukasta

Vaniljanpäivänkukka is the Finnish name for a flowering plant. It belongs to the family Asteraceae, commonly known as the daisy or sunflower family. The scientific name for this plant is *Heliotropium europaeum*. Despite its common name, it is not related to the vanilla plant which is used for flavoring.

The plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It is often found in disturbed areas such as roadsides, fields, and waste ground. Vaniljanpäivänkukka is an annual herb that typically grows to a height of 10 to 50 centimeters. Its leaves are oval to oblong and are covered in fine hairs, giving them a slightly rough texture. The flowers are small, white, and clustered together in coiled inflorescences. These flowers have a faint, sweet fragrance, which likely contributes to its common name, though it is not the same scent as vanilla extract.

Historically, *Heliotropium europaeum* has been used in traditional medicine in some cultures. However, it is important to note that some species within the *Heliotropium* genus can contain toxic alkaloids, and caution should be exercised regarding its use. The plant is generally not cultivated for ornamental purposes due to its weedy nature and relatively inconspicuous flowers. It is primarily considered a wild plant in its native regions.