SafePlants

False Sesame (Ceratotheca sesamoides)

False sesame, scientifically known as Ceratotheca sesamoides, is an annual plant with a variety of uses and interesting characteristics.

Common Names

• False sesame (English, U.S.)
• Faux ssame (French)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ceratotheca sesamoides Endl.
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Tracheophyta
• Class: Dicot
• Family: Pedaliaceae (Unicorn Plant Family)
• Genus: Ceratotheca

Distribution and Habitat

False sesame is widely distributed in variable forms in Nigeria and specifically consumed as a leaf vegetable in the savanna ecological zones. It is also found in the semi-arid areas of Tanzania and South Africa (Kruger National Park).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• False sesame is an annual plant that typically grows up to 1.2 meters tall, sometimes with a woody rootstock.
• Stems are often prostrate and produce ten or more creeping stems.
• Characterized by medium hairs on the stem and petiole.
• Leaves have dentate (toothed) margins.
• Flowers are pink with purple or brown dots.

Ecological Role

• False sesame is sometimes considered a weed.

Uses

• The leaves and flowers are consumed as a vegetable, finely chopped and used in sauces.
• Oil obtained from the seeds is used as a source for biodiesel.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• False sesame is studied for its insecticidal properties.
• It is intercropped with sesame (Sesamum indicum), affecting infestation by the sesame leafroller (Antigastra catalaunalis).