Momordica calantha

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family climbing herb. It grows 4 m long. It has tendrils. The leaves are broadly oval. They are 6-17 cm long by 5-15 cm wide. There can be 3-5 lobes. The fruit are bright red and 5-6 cm long by 4 cm wide. The seeds are in a sticky pulp.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows between 600-1,800 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Momordica umbellata (Cogn.) A. Zimm.; Peponia umbellata Cogn.; Peponium umbellatum (Cogn.) Engl.;