Spine gourd, Small bitter gourd
Momordica dioica
Family: Cucurbitaceae
What it is like
A pumpkin family plant. It is a climbing her which keeps growing from year to year. It has a tuberous root. The leaves have stalks. The leaves are 3.5-10 cm long. They are oval to heart-shaped. They taper to the tip. There are 3-5 lobes. There are teeth near the tip. The flowers are white. The fruit have a short beak. They are densely covered with soft spines.
There are about 50 Momordica species.
Where it is found
A tropical and subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows to about 1300 m altitude. It grows on sandy soils.
Countries/locations it is found in
Andamans, Asia, Bangladesh, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Middle East, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, NW India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tibet
How it is used for food
The young fruit are cooked as a vegetable or in curries. The ripe fruit are eaten. They are slightly bitter. The tuberous roots are also cooked as a vegetable. The tender shoots and leaves are also eaten, cooked.
The fruit are sold in markets. It is a popular seasonal vegetable. It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Fruit, roots, leaves
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Agakara, Anthru, Anthrulhem, Baankarela, Ban-karela, Bara-karela, Bhatkarela, Budakakara, Chatel, Chetheli, Dhar karela, Golkandra, Haimeo, Hinga-baung, Kakaura, Kakora, Kakrol, Kaksa, Kankera, Kankoda, Kankodan, Kankorh, Kantola, Karlikai, Kartoli, Kartorle, Kartule, Kattukaippa, Katwal, Keychasshi, Kirara, Kotno, Kurutale, Kyet-hin-ga, Kyet-hin-khar, Levuyemarai, Midi hagala, Neru, Palupaakakai, Palupalagakalungai, Paluppakai, Parta karela, Su-ba, Tholoopavai, Thumba karawila, Tumba, Vahisi
Synonyms
Momordica balsamina (country/location of origin) sensu W. & A.; Momordica hispida Dennst. ex Miq.; Momordica renigera Cogn.; Momordica roxburghii G. Don; Momordica sicyoides Ser.; Momordica triloba Wight; Momordica tuberosa Dennst. Ex Miq.; Momordica wallichii Roem.;