Momordica boivinii

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It climbs by tendrils. These are not branched It grows from a tuberous rootstock. The stems can be 5 m long. The leaves are alternate. They are about 3 cm long by 3 cm wide. They are shallowly divided into 3 lobes. Male and female flowers can be on the same plant or on separate plants. The flowers are orange. There are 1 or 2 female flowers in the axils of leaves. The male flowers are in clusters of 2-5. The fruit is cylinder shaped and 3 cm long by 4 mm wide. It has 2 seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It can grow in stony or sandy soils as well as clays and loams. It grows in woodland. It grows between 300-1,950 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a flavouring and as a potherb. They are also considered a medicine.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Mbandatshilale, Namgoneka,Nyapiringulule

Synonyms

Raphanistrocarpus boivinii (Baill.) Cogn.; Raphanistrocarpus asperifolius Cogn.; Raphanocarpus boivinii (Baill.) Chiov.;