Momordica trifoliolata
Family: Cucurbitaceae
What it is like
A herb. It is a pumpkin family plant. It is a climber. The stems can be 6 m long. It keeps growing from year to year. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The fruit are oval and bright red with paler spots. They are 4-6 cm long by 3-4 cm wide. The seeds are wrapped in white pulp. They are oval and 13 mm long by 7 mm wide and 4 mm thick.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It can grow in salty and sandy soils. It is often over limestone materials. It grows in woodland and near watercourses. It grows between 35-1,560 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw.
The fruit are eaten especially by children.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Ankaiserariai, Erikoi, Koricha aja, Macurumbi, Saar-saare