Botanical description and characteristics of the seed of annual mercury

Capsules are almost spherical, three-lobed. Seeds are egg-shaped, slightly elongated towards the apex, and rounded at the base. The apex has a seed appendage, compressed from the sides. On the ventral side, there is a longitudinal seed suture, ending at the apex as if with a small knot. The seed hilum on the ventral side, near the seed appendage, is clearly visible. The surface is round-cellular, wavy-warty, and slightly shiny. The color is silvery-gray, silvery-reddish; the seed appendage and seed suture are darker. Length is 1.52 mm, width and thickness are 0.75-1.25 mm. Infests grain crops. Distribution: European part of the Russian Federation (predominantly southern regions), Crimea, Caucasus. Toxic properties: indicated above.