Rose-pink sesame
Sesamum calycinum
Family: Pedaliaceae
What it is like
A herb that grows for one or a few years. The stem can be single or branched. The leaves at the top are long and thin and with almost no stalk. Lower leaves can have stalks and be divided into lobes. The flowers are 2-5 cm long and purple or pink. The fruit is a narrow capsule.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. In Kenya it grows from sea level to 3,000 m altitude. It grows in light clay and sandy soils. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Asia, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The young leaves are cooked and eaten. They are often cooked with other leaves such as Corchorus. The seeds are eaten as a snack.
Edible parts
Leaves, seeds - oil, seeds, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds. A spacing of 20 cm is suitable.
The tender leaves are plucked off the bush.
Its other names
Local names
Amacande ga kanyamunya, Gargalium, Luta, Mahagua, Mlenda, Onyulo