Sesamum Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Sesamum

Sesamum indicum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Pedaliaceae
Genus:	*Sesamum* L.
Species
See text

Sesamum is a group of about 20 different plant types. These plants belong to a family called Pedaliaceae. Most Sesamum plants are herbs, which means they don't have woody stems like trees. They can be annuals, meaning they live for one year, or perennials, meaning they live for more than two years.

The most famous plant in this group is Sesamum indicum. You probably know it as the sesame plant! Its tiny seeds are used all over the world.

What is Sesamum?
- The Amazing Sesame Seed
Types of Sesamum Plants
Images for kids
See also

What is Sesamum?

The word "Sesamum" is a scientific name for a group of plants. In science, a "genus" is a way to group similar living things together. So, Sesamum is a genus of flowering plants. These plants are known for their seeds, especially the sesame seed.

Sesame plants grow in many parts of the world. They are often found in warmer climates. People have been growing sesame for thousands of years. It's one of the oldest oilseed crops known!

The Amazing Sesame Seed

The seeds from Sesamum indicum are what we call sesame seeds. These seeds are very small but packed with flavor and nutrients. They come in different colors, like white, black, and brown.

Sesame seeds are used in many ways:

They are sprinkled on bread, like bagels and hamburger buns.
They are used to make tahini, a paste common in Middle Eastern food.
Sesame oil is made from the seeds and used for cooking.
They are also used in candies and desserts.

Types of Sesamum Plants

There are many different species, or types, of Sesamum plants. While Sesamum indicum is the most well-known, other species also exist. Most of these plants grow in Africa.

Here are some of the species in the Sesamum genus: