Sesamum

Linnaeus

Sp. Pl. 2: 634. 1753.

Introduced
Etymology: Greek sésamon (Arabic simsim), literally meaning plant oil
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 17. Treatment on page 361.
 TaxonIllustrator 
FNA17 P41 Ceratotheca triloba.jpegMazus pumilus
Ceratotheca triloba
Sesamum indicum
John Myers
Barbara Alongi
Barbara Alongi

Annuals not foul smelling. Stems erect [prostrate], hairy [glabrous], hairs glandular and eglandular. Leaves opposite proximally, opposite or alternate distally. Inflorescences axillary, flowers solitary. Pedicels often with paired nectaries at base; bracteoles present or absent. Flowers: calyx tubular or cupulate, lobes linear to narrowly triangular; corolla white to pale-pink or pale-purple, often with darker veins proximally; staminode 1, filiform; style base persistent. Capsules not flattened, style base enlarged, forming a persistent beak, lateral horns absent. Seeds [10] 40–60 [–80], white, brown, or black, ovoid [obovoid], wings absent or present. x = 16.

Distribution

Introduced; Asia, Africa, tropical areas, also in South America, Europe, elsewhere in Asia, n Africa, Pacific Islands, Australia

Discussion

Species 21 (1 in the flora).

Lower Taxa

... more about "Sesamum"
Kerry A. Barringer +
Linnaeus +
persistent +
not leathery +  and not fleshy +
cupulate +  and tubular +
not flattened +
white;pale-pink or pale-purple +
Asia +, Africa +, tropical areas +, also in South America +, Europe +, elsewhere in Asia +, n Africa +, Pacific Islands +  and Australia +
Greek sésamon - Arabic simsim, literally meaning plant oil +
mucilaginous +
3-foliolate +  and simple +
alternate +  and opposite +
3-lobed +
linear +  and narrowly triangular +
lobed +, toothed +  and entire +
tenuinucellate +  and unitegmic +
bedigian2011a +  and ihlenfeldt1979a +
black +, brown +  and white +
Introduced +
Sesamum +
Pedaliaceae +
smelling +  and not foul +
stipitate-glandular +