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Lens culinaris

Species category

Agricultural

Common name

lentil

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Compressed lenticularLenticular:
Lens-shaped, circular in outline with convex sides.

Size

  • Length 7 mm
  • Width 7 mm
  • Thickness 2 mm

Color

Light to greenish brown

Texture

Smooth

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 on the margin

Identification notes

Seed is truly lenticularLenticular:
Lens-shaped, circular in outline with convex sides.
 with fairly sharp margins.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Included

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Lens culinaris Medik.

Synonyms

Cicer lens (L.) Willd.
Ervum lens L.
Lens esculenta Moench

Lens culinaris. Lenticular seeds with sharp margins. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Lens culinaris. Lenticular seeds with sharp margins. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.