Among the below-listed options, what is the scientific name of masoor dal?
(a) Vigna radiata
(b) Cicer arietinum
(c) Lens culinaris
(d) None of the above
The correct answer to this question is option (c) Lens culinaris
Masoor dal, commonly known as red lentil, is a legume and belongs to the Fabaceae family. They are small bushy plants which have small branches. The seeds (red lentils) grow inside their dark flat pods. It has a history of cultivation associated with South-East Asia. It is consumed by humans and animals, and is a rich protein source.
The scientific name of masoor dal or red lentil was given by Medikus in the year 1787. It is considered as one of the ancient crops with a history dated back to 7500–6500 BC, archaeologically. Macrosperma and Microsperma are the two varieties of lentils that are cultivated.
The average height of this plant is from 15 cm to 45 cm. During the months of June and July, pale blue flowers grow in the axils of the leaves. This plant possesses alternate compound leaves including oblong-linear leaflets (6 pairs). The pods, which contain two seeds, are broad and inflated. The seeds (masoor dal) have the shape of a doubly convex lens of 4-6 mm diameter in size. Their colour ranges from yellow, orange and dark brown to white.
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