Sesamum indicum

Linnaeus

Sp. Pl. 2: 634. 1753. name conserved

Common names: Sesame benne
IntroducedIllustrated
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 17. Treatment on page 362.

Stems simple or branched proximally, 4-angled, grooved, 30–100(–150) cm. Leaves: petiole 5–12 cm; blade narrowly lanceolate to ovate, 5–20 × 1–5 cm, base cuneate, apex acute, glabrate adaxially. Pedicels 3–5 mm; bracteoles 0–2, linear. Flowers drooping; sepals 4–8 mm; corolla 2–4 cm, glandular-pubescent externally, tube slightly curved at base, mouth 10 mm diam. Capsules 15–30 × 5–7 mm. Seeds 2–3 mm, smooth. 2n = (18), 32, 52 (Asia).


Phenology: Flowering Jun–Aug.
Habitat: Disturbed sites.
Elevation: 0–1000 m.

Distribution

Introduced; Ala., Calif., Fla., Ga., La., Mass., Mo., N.J., N.Y., Ohio, Pa., S.C., Tex., Wis., origin unknown, probably s Asia (India), introduced also in South America, Europe, elsewhere in Asia, n Africa, Pacific Islands, Australia.

Discussion

Sesamum indicum is the source of sesame seeds and sesame oil. It has been in cultivation for perhaps more than 5000 years; it is difficult to determine its native range. Sesame seeds are a component of many bird seed mixes, so plants often occur near feeders. The name S. orientale Linnaeus, which pertains here, has been rejected.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.
... more about "Sesamum indicum"
Kerry A. Barringer +
Linnaeus +
Sesame +  and benne +
Ala. +, Calif. +, Fla. +, Ga. +, La. +, Mass. +, Mo. +, N.J. +, N.Y. +, Ohio +, Pa. +, S.C. +, Tex. +, Wis. +, origin unknown +, probably s Asia (India) +, introduced also in South America +, Europe +, elsewhere in Asia +, n Africa +, Pacific Islands +  and Australia. +
0–1000 m. +
Disturbed sites. +
Flowering Jun–Aug. +
Introduced +  and Illustrated +
Sesamum indicum +
species +