Niger seed

Niger seed in a bird feeder – Photo by Robert Young

Niger seeds are grown as an oil crop in Ethiopia, but the seeds are also popular as bird seed.

Names

Scientific
   Guizotia abyssinica
Synonym
   Guizotia oleifera
English
   Blackseed
   Niger seed
   Noog
   Noug
   Nug
   Nyjer
   Ramtil
   Ramtilla
Dutch
   Nigerzaad
German
   Ramtillkraut

Taxonomy

Genus
   Guizotia
Family
   Asteraceae
Order
   Asterales

Basic information and facts

Origin:

Ethiopia

Distribution:

Highest production in Ethiopia and India.

Annual, biennial, or perennial:

Annual

Flowers:

Yellow flowers

Uses:

Used to produce an edible oil. Seeds are also used as fodder for birds or as a spice in some curries.

Crop categories

Vegetable oils
Tropical crops
Subtropical crops
Forage and fodder crops

Pictures

Niger seed in a bird feeder – Photo by Robert Young