Momordica sahyadrica
Family: Cucurbitaceae
What it is like
A climber. It is a pumpkin family herb. It has tendrils 8-15 cm long. It has a tuberous taproot. This can be 10-18 cm long by 5-10 cm wide. The leaves are alternate and 10-16 cm long by 8-18 cm wide. There can be 3-5 lobes. The base is deeply heart shaped. Male flowers can occur singly or in groups of 5-7. Female flowers occur singly. The fruit are oval and 5-8 cm long by 3-4 cm wide. They are dark green but turn bright orange when ripe. They have short soft spines. The pulp is red and sweet. The seeds are black and shiny.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in Kerala and the Western Ghats.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, India
How it is used for food
The fruit are cooked to make dishes.
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Kaattupaaval