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Panax quinquefolius

Species category

Herb or Spice, Weed

Common name

American ginseng, ginseng à cinq folioles

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

D-shaped

Size

  • Length 5.5–7 mm 
  • Width 4.4–5 mm 
  • Thickness 3–3.5 mm 

Color

Light brown 

Texture

Granular 

Other structures

The straight margin has a central groove. The hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 is located at the end of the central groove.

Identification notes

Surface texture very rough.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Araliaceae

Valid name

Panax quinquefolius L.

Panax quinquefolius. True seeds with a straight margin that have a central groove. 
Panax quinquefolius. True seeds with a straight margin that have a central groove. 
Panax quinquefolius. True seeds with a very rough texture.
Panax quinquefolius. True seeds with a very rough texture.