Sesame, a flowering plant known for its oil production, is Bangladesh’s second most important oilseed crop. Recently, it has been spotted growing in the bushes along Marine Drive.
This annual plant can grow between 2 to 3.5 feet tall and is primarily cultivated for its valuable oil. Sesame produces white or pink flowers at the base of its leaves. Once the flowers mature, they form fruits that contain numerous tiny seeds encased in black shells. These seeds typically extract a tasteless and colorless edible oil with various medicinal properties.
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
