Herpetospermum pedunculosum

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family plant. It is a weak climber. The tendrils are twice divided. The leaves are oval or heart shaped. They taper to the tip. There are teeth along the edge. There are a few hairs. The flowers are yellow. The sepals or outer ring of flower parts are hairy. The fruit are 7-8 cm long by 3-4 cm wide. The seeds are oblong and pale grey. They are 12 mm long by 5 mm wide and 2-3 mm thick.

There is only one Herpetospermum species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 1000-3000 m altitude. It grows along the edge of the forest. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, Tibet

How it is used for food

The seeds are fried and eaten. The fruit are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Seeds, fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Ban karela, Kurkure kankro, Prola-augun

Synonyms

Bryonia pedunculosa Seringe; Herpetospermum caudigerum Eall ex. C.B. Clarke; Rampinia herpetospermoides C.B.Clarke;