Corallocarpus epigaeus

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A herb. It lies along the ground or can be a climber. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 4 m long. It has a tuberous root. The stems are angular and can be finely hairy. It has simple tendrils. The leaves are 2-6 cm long. The leaves are divided into 3-5 lobes. The lobes are broadly sword shaped and can have 1-3 lobes. The flowers are yellow. The fruit are oval and 1-2 cm long. The seeds are an unequal pear shaped. There are about 8 seeds.

The rhizomes are used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in forest and woodland. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Burkina Faso, East Africa, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Kenya, Middle East, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Rwanda, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, West Africa

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Akasgaddah, Akasha garudan, Azanulfi, Garajphal, Garudan kizhangu, Kadvinam, Kilimukkankizhangu, Murdonda, Nagadonda

Synonyms

Bryonia epigaea Rottl.; and several others