Adenia hondala

Family: Passifloraceae

What it is like

A climbing shrub. It develops a large tuber. The stems are thickened at the nodes. The leaves are alternate and have a tendril at each node. The leaves are large and divided into 3-5 lobes. The flowers have a bell shaped tube and are greenish-white. The fruit is a capsule that splits into 3 lobes.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in moist deciduous forest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, SE Asia, Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

Caution: The fruit are poisonous. The young leaves and flowers are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Flowers, tuber, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Koombichapu, Salkanda, Vidari

Synonyms

Adenia palmata Engl.; Granadilla hondala Gaertn.; Modecca palmata Lam.;