Appearance of Sesame Plant

Sesame is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the Pedaliaceae family. It is native to Africa but now widely cultivated in many countries, including India, China, and the United States. Sesame comes in different varieties, but they all share similar characteristics in terms of appearance.

Height and Stem

The height of a sesame plant can range from 1 to 2 meters, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The stem of a mature plant is slender, erect, and branching, with a slightly rough texture. The stem's color is usually green, but it may turn yellow at the end of the season when the plant is ready to harvest.

Leaves

Sesame leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped. They grow on a petiole that attaches to the stem. The leaf size can vary from 2 to 14 centimeters in length and 1 to 8 centimeters in width, depending on the variety. The leaf texture is slightly hairy, and the color is green with a glossy finish.

Flowers

The sesame plant produces small flowers that grow in terminal and axillary racemes. The flower buds are initially green but turn pink or white when they start to open. The flowers have a tubular shape, with five petals and five sepals. The stamens are fused to form a tube that encloses the ovary, and the stigma is three-lobed.

Seedpods and Seeds

Sesame plants produce elongated seedpods that are around 4 to 7 centimeters in length. The seedpod starts off green and then turns beige or brown when mature. The pod contains numerous small seeds that are flat, oval, and about 2 to 3 millimeters in length. The seed color ranges from white, yellow, brown, to black, depending on the variety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the sesame plant's appearance is characterized by a slender, erect stem, simple oval-shaped leaves, small tubular flowers, and elongated seedpods containing multiple small, flat seeds. Despite its delicate appearance, the sesame plant is a hardy and versatile crop that can thrive in diverse growing conditions, making it an important staple in many cultures worldwide.