Solena amplexicaulis

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family plant. It is a climber. It has fleshy roots. The leaves vary in shape. They are 0.5-1.5 cm long. They are slender and lobed. They have a rough surface. The tendrils are simple. The flowers are yellow or white. They are 6 mm long by 4 mm wide. The fruit is 2.5 cm long by 1.5 cm wide. They are red when ripe. They have a rough surface. They contain several seeds. The seeds are small and grey. They are 8 mm long by 6 mm wide.

There is only one Solena species. Probably same as next species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In the Himalayas it grows up to 2,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand

How it is used for food

The young fruit are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are also eaten raw. The tubers are boiled and eaten as a vegetable. They are also roasted and eaten and used in curries. The young leaves are boiled and eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, vegetable, roots, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bana-kundari, Banakunduri, Bankakra, Ban-kakri, Buru kundri, Garalakayi, Gol kakri, Gometi, Gorkhi, Hagrani thaisum-muri, Hosh, Kundri, Kunduli, Lwnthi mwigong, Mataka, Mat kakari, Maukhari, Nakal naru, Nawh phuai, Rakhal gota, Rakhal sasa, Tarali, Thuli bihi, Toju

Synonyms

Bryonia amplexicaulis Lam.; Melothria amplexicaulis (Lam.) Cogn.; Melothria heterophylla (Lour.) Cogn.; Momordica umbellata (Klein ex Willd.) Roxb.; Zehneria umbellata (Klein ex Willd.) Thwaites;