Sesamum

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

Asia, Africa, tropical areas, introduced also in South America, Europe, elsewhere in Asia, n Africa, Pacific Islands, Australia.

Discussion

Species 21 (1 in the flora).

Selected References

Bedigian, D., ed. 2011. Sesame: The Genus Sesamum. Boca Raton.

Ihlenfeldt, H.-D. and U. Grabow-Seidensticker. 1979. The genus Sesamum and the origin of cultivated sesame. In: K. Kunkel, ed. 1979. Taxonomic Aspects of African Economic Botany. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Pp. 53–60.

Lower Taxa

Sesamum indicum