ITP Logo

Dichrostachys cinerea

Species category

Weed

Common name

aroma

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

ObovateObovate:
Inverted egg shaped with apical end the broadest.

Size

  • Length 5 mm
  • Width 4 mm
  • Thickness 2 mm

Color

Reddish-brown to brown

Texture

Smooth and glossy with a pleurogram following the inside of the margin. The area within the pleurogram appears cracked.

Other structures

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

Identification notes

The flat surface of the seed has a pleurogram line that curves with the seed margin. The area within this pleurogram (known as the areola) is cracked on the surface. The seed is waxy-glossy.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: Hawaii

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn.

Synonyms

Cailliea glomerata (Forssk.) J.F. Macbr.
Dichrostachys nutans Benth.

Dichrostachys cinerea. The flat surface of the seed has a pleurogram line that curves with the seed margin. The area within this pleurogram (known as the areola) is cracked on the surface. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Dichrostachys cinerea. The flat surface of the seed has a pleurogram line that curves with the seed margin. The area within this pleurogram (known as the areola) is cracked on the surface. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.