Kadam seed, Chinese lardfruit
Hodgsonia macrocarpa

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family plant. It is a woody climber or tree. It grows 20-30 m long. The bark is dull and rough. The leaves are 15-25 cm long. They occur in groups of 3. The leaf stalk is long. Plants and flowers are separately male and female. The flowers are white. The fruit are very large. They contain 8 oily seeds. The seeds are oval and 7-8 cm long.

There are 3 Hodgsonia species. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in humid places. It grows between 1100-1600 m above sea level in Yunnan, China. It grows in subtropical broadleaved evergreen forest. In XTBG Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The fruit are boiled before eating. The seeds or kernels are roasted or baked then eaten. They are also crushed and cooked with fish, meat or vegetables. They are also pickled and also made into chutney. The seeds yield an oil used for cooking. Caution: The seeds should not be eaten in excess.

It is cultivated as a food plant. Seeds are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, seeds - oil

How it is grown

In Northeastern India fruit are available April to July. In Sikkim June to November.

Its other names

Local names

Akar kepayang, Astepa, Beo, Bon kumra, Daihai, Darsani, Darshini, Darsoni, Gheeu-phal, Ghinphal, Gulur, Hanthar angpher, Hodgsonia seed, Huatson, Kagoba, Kai hior pot, Kathior-pat, Khaukhluthaibai, Kha-um, Khaum, Lard seed, Makal, Majing, Nsui chi, Pie, Pilekulu, Qikulu, Sen, Taponguti, Tatar api, Tatar reibe, Thaibai, Thebou-lata, Thekrait, Thibe, Til lou, Tofu, Topou guti, Yahabei, Zhaqigulu

Synonyms

Trichosanthes macrocarpa Blume; Hodgsonia capniocarpa Ridley;