Pointed gourd, Wild snake gourd
Trichosanthes dioica
Family: Cucurbitaceae
What it is like
A pumpkin family plant. It is a climber. It is a herb. The stems are slender and angled. They have soft hairs. The tendrils are divided 2-4 times. The leaves have stalks. The leaves are 5-10 cm long. They are oval or heart shaped. There are teeth along the edge. Leaves are rigid and rough on both surfaces. Flowers are of one sex and white. The fruit are oblong or pointed on both sides. They are orange-red when ripe. They are 10 cm long and 5 cm wide. Seeds are slightly compressed.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in tropical India. It suits a warm humid climate. It is common in NE India. In Nepal it grows to 600 m altitude. The soil needs to be well drained.
Countries/locations it is found in
Andamans, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Polynesia, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka
How it is used for food
The young fruit are cooked as a vegetable. They are used in curries. They are also fried, pickled and used in stews. They are also used in confectionary and pickled. The leaves are eaten as a vegetable. They are used in soups and stews.
It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves, fruit, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. It is often grown by stem cuttings. Pieces 60 cm long are taken from male and female plants. They are planted out of the nursery after 90 days.
Its other names
Local names
Chathail, Duli ao, Jangli patal, Kaadu-padavala, Koitbach, Kombu-pudalai, Kommupotla, Kundru, Palwal, Parvar, Parwal, Parwar, Patal, Patol, Patolam, Phodol, Potol, Putulika, Tandoori, Tindola