Niger Seeds

At Souk Marina, we bring you Niger seed, the tiny powerhouse derived from the African yellow daisy Guizotia abyssinica. Known by many names, this seed was originally called “Niger” in reference to Nigeria and the plant’s African origins. In 1998, the Wild Bird Feeding Industry trademarked the name “Niger” to clarify its pronunciation. While many backyard birders refer to it as “thistle,” it’s important to note that Niger is not related to thistle plants or seeds. This confusion likely stems from the fact that goldfinches—big fans of Niger seed—also enjoy feeding on thistle and use thistle down in nest-building.

Niger seed, a favorite among finches, is native to the highlands of Ethiopia and belongs to the sunflower family. It closely resembles popular garden plants like Cosmos (genus Coreopsis) with its bright yellow, daisy-like blooms and can grow up to six feet tall. Rich in oil—containing up to 40%—Niger is a valuable oilseed crop in Ethiopia, India, and Myanmar. It’s believed that Ethiopian immigrants introduced it to India around 3000 BC, along with other key crops like millet.

Botanical Name: GUIZOTIA ABYSSINICA