Ceratotheca sesamoides

False Sesame (Ceratotheca sesamoides) (16347957338)

Ceratotheca sesamoides is a species of flowering plant in the family Pedaliaceae. It is commonly known as false sesame or African foxglove. This plant is native to tropical regions of Africa and is widely distributed across the continent.

Description

Ceratotheca sesamoides is an annual herb that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The plant has a robust, erect stem that is often covered with fine hairs. The leaves are simple, ovate to lanceolate, and have serrated margins. The flowers are tubular, typically purple or pink, and are borne in axillary racemes. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous small seeds.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and agricultural fields. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types from sandy to loamy.

Uses

Ceratotheca sesamoides has several uses in traditional medicine and as a food source. The leaves and seeds are edible and are often used in soups and stews. In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant are used to treat ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and skin infections.

Cultivation

The plant is relatively easy to cultivate and is often grown in home gardens. It requires full sun and moderate watering. Propagation is typically done through seeds, which should be sown at the beginning of the rainy season.

Related Species

Ceratotheca sesamoides is closely related to other species in the genus Ceratotheca, such as Ceratotheca triloba and Ceratotheca integrifolia.

Related Pages

• Pedaliaceae
• False sesame
• African foxglove
• Traditional medicine
• Savanna