M. Thulin (2005) Helianthus. Flora of Somalia 3: 548
Plants herbas. Leaves opposite or alternate on upper part of stems. Inflorescences of solitary heads; heads radiate; phyllaries in 2-4 series; receptacles with bracts between the flowers. Ray flowers sterile; disc flowers bisexual, with 5-lobed corollas. Achenes more or less flattened; pappuses of up to 2 awns.
Helianthus is a North American genus of about 50 species. Two species, Helianthus annuus and Helianthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke) are widely cultivated plants but only Helianthus annuus is known from Somaliland and Somalia. It is grown both as an ornamental and for its for its oil-rich seeds.