Melothria heterophylla

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family plant. It is a creeper. The leaves fall off each year. The leaves are big and triangle shaped. The roots are thick and fat. The flowers are white. The fruit are oval and 3-4 cm long by 2 cm wide.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows along roads and in open spaces. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, China, India, Indochina, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim

How it is used for food

The unripe fruit are eaten raw and used as a vegetable. The ripe fruit are also eaten. They are sweet when ripe.

The fruit are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Amantmul, Bankakra, Ban kundari, Birkunduru, Bong ka ren, Fot, Gol kakari, Gometi, Gometta, Hagrani thaisummuri, Ho'qavqbiavyaq, Kabomako, Karakia, Kilang layong, Kubumiku, Kudari, Kundri, Kunduli, Kyet-sha, Makirla, Matka, Myauk-tha-kwa, Nimorkiche-pat, Njerinjanpuli, Pulivanji, Soh-khia-phlang, Tam lung tua pu, Tarali, Thiyyadonda, Timun tikus, Yazang-pipe, Yongkoyomi, Zongawm pawng

Synonyms

Melothria marginata Cogn. var. heterophylla Ridley; Zehneria umbellata Thw.;