Sesamum alatum

Winged-seed Sesame (Sesamum alatum) (15890637053)

Winged-seed Sesame (Sesamum alatum) (13780895453)

Sesamum alatum-4-coimbatore-India

Sesamum alatum is a species of flowering plant in the Pedaliaceae family, commonly known as the Pedaliaceae or sesame family. It is one of the numerous species within the genus Sesamum, which is widely recognized for its economically important seed crop, sesame (Sesamum indicum). Unlike its well-known relative, Sesamum alatum is not extensively cultivated for its seeds on a global scale, but it holds significance in certain traditional agricultural systems and for its various uses in folk medicine.

Description

Sesamum alatum is an annual herb that can grow up to 1-2 meters in height. It features broad, lanceolate leaves that are arranged oppositely along the stem. The plant is distinguished by its unique winged stems, from which its specific epithet "alatum" (meaning winged in Latin) is derived. The flowers of Sesamum alatum are tubular, with a pale to bright pink or sometimes white corolla, and they typically bloom in the late summer.

The seeds of Sesamum alatum are smaller than those of Sesamum indicum and are encased in small, oblong pods that split open upon maturation. While not as widely utilized as Sesamum indicum, the seeds of Sesamum alatum are edible and have been used in local cuisines and traditional medicine.

Distribution and Habitat

Sesamum alatum is native to Africa, where it is found in a wide range of habitats from West Africa to the Sudanian Savanna. It prefers open, sunny locations and is often found in grasslands, along roadsides, and in cultivated fields where it sometimes emerges as a weed.

Uses

In traditional medicine, various parts of Sesamum alatum have been used for their purported medicinal properties. The leaves, seeds, and oil extracted from the seeds are used in different cultures to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, dysentery, and inflammation. The plant is also known for its potential antioxidant properties, although scientific studies to fully validate these claims are limited.

In some African communities, Sesamum alatum seeds are used in cooking or as a spice, adding a nutty flavor to dishes. However, its culinary use is not as common or widespread as Sesamum indicum.

Conservation

As of the current knowledge, Sesamum alatum does not face any immediate threats that would warrant its inclusion on the IUCN Red List. However, like many wild species, its habitat is subject to the general pressures of agricultural expansion, deforestation, and climate change. Conservation efforts to preserve its natural habitat and genetic diversity are important for maintaining the species and its potential uses.

See Also

• Sesamum indicum
• Pedaliaceae
• Medicinal plants
• African cuisine