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Vicia benghalensis

Species category

Agricultural, Flower

Common name

purple vetch

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

Globose

Size

  • Length 3–4 mm 
  • Width 3–4 mm 
  • Thickness 3–4 mm 

Color

Brown and black mottled

Texture

Dull and smooth

Other structures

ChalazaChalaza:
End of seed opposite the micropyle.
 is near end of hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
; hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 is 2.5–3.0 mm long.

Identification notes

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 is flush with the seed surface and is linear. Seed sometimes slightly flattened but not lens-shaped. ChalazaChalaza:
End of seed opposite the micropyle.
 near one end of the hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
. Occasionally seeds are produced with a whitish appendage on the hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Included

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Vicia benghalensis L.

Synonyms

Vicia atropurpurea Desf.

Vicia benghalensis. True seeds with the hilum flush with the seed surface. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Vicia benghalensis. True seeds with the hilum flush with the seed surface. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.