Linseed (also known as flax) (Linum usitatissimum) is a thin stemmed upright annual native to areas in the Mediterranean and to parts of India. This species has been cultivated for millennia and is used as a source of seeds and fibre. Australia has a very small linseed industry. The main use of linseed is in multigrain bread, biscuits, birdseed, linseed oil and meal.