Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower)

Group of thistle-like plants. dark green shiny leaves with yellow/orange flowers. Oil from the seed (safflower oil) is used in margarines and as cooking oil. Flowers sometimes substituted for saffron and a dye is extracted for use in paints. The oil is low in cholesterol and the seeds are the favourite food of parrots. Sometimes called 'parrot plant'.