Pedalium family Facts for Kids

The Pedaliaceae family, also known as the pedalium family or sesame family, is a group of flowering plants. These plants are special because they often have a slightly sticky or "clammy" feel on their stems and leaves. This comes from tiny, sticky hairs called mucilaginous hairs. Many plants in this family also grow fruits that have interesting shapes, like hooks or horns.

One of the most famous plants from this family is Sesame (Sesamum indicum). This plant gives us the tiny, tasty sesame seeds we use in cooking!

Quick facts for kids Pedalium family

Uncarina grandidieri
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Pedaliacae
Genera
Ceratotheca Dicerocaryum Harpagophytum Holubia Josephinia Linariopsis Pedaliodiscus Pedalium Pterodiscus Rogeria Sesamothamnus Sesamum – sesame Uncarina Dewinteria

Uncarina ankaranensis

Where Do They Fit?
Special Features of Pedaliaceae
- Sticky Hairs
- Unique Fruits
The Famous Sesame Plant
- What Are Sesame Seeds Used For?
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Where Do They Fit?

Plants are organized into groups, much like how we sort books in a library. The Pedaliaceae family belongs to a larger group called the order Lamiales. This is like a big chapter in the plant "book."

Long ago, scientists used a system called the Cronquist system to classify plants. In that system, the Pedaliaceae family was grouped with another family called Martyniaceae. However, newer studies using modern methods have shown that these two families are not very closely related. So, today, they are kept as separate families.

Special Features of Pedaliaceae

Plants in the Pedaliaceae family have some unique traits.

Sticky Hairs

Many plants in this family have tiny, sticky hairs on their stems and leaves. These are called mucilaginous hairs. They make the plant feel a bit slimy or clammy to the touch. This stickiness might help protect the plant from insects or help it collect water.

Unique Fruits

Another interesting feature is their fruits. Often, the fruits of Pedaliaceae plants have special shapes, like hooks or horns. These shapes can help the seeds spread. For example, hooks might allow the fruit to attach to animal fur, carrying the seeds to new places.

The Famous Sesame Plant

One of the most well-known members of this family is the Sesame plant (Sesamum indicum). This plant is grown all over the world for its seeds.

What Are Sesame Seeds Used For?

Sesame seeds are tiny, flat, and oval-shaped. They come in different colors, like white, black, and brown. People use them in many ways:

They are sprinkled on bread, like bagels and hamburger buns.
They are used to make tahini, a paste used in hummus.
Sesame oil, pressed from the seeds, is popular in cooking, especially in Asian dishes.
They are also used in candies and desserts.

Sesame seeds are not just tasty; they are also packed with nutrients, like healthy fats, protein, and minerals.