Papuasicyos papuanus

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family herb. It is a climber. It can be 6 m long. The leaf stalk is 1-2 cm long. The leaves are simple and oval and 4-15 cm long by 2-10 cm wide. The tendrils are simple. The male flowers occur in groups 5-8 cm long in groups of 10 or more flowers. The female flowers occur singly. The fruit are oblong and narrowed at both ends. They are 2-3 cm long by1 cm wide.

There are 8 species of Papuasicyos in Papua New Guinea and they may have edible fruit.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Papua New Guinea it occurs near the Strickland River. It grows in lowland swamp forest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Indonesia, Papua, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Melothria papuana Cogn.;