Teasel gourd
Momordica subangulata

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family plant. It is a climber. The branches are thin. The stems are slender, angular and have furrows. The leaves are oval or kidney shaped. Sometimes the leaves have 3 lobes. They are 3-10 cm long by 4-8 cm wide. The leaf stalk is 2-5 cm long. There are short simple tendrils. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. Male flowers occur singly and have long flower stalks. Flowers are 3-3.5 cm long by 1.5 cm wide and have 5 oval petals. The flowers are yellow. Female flowers have shorter flower stalks. The fruit are oval and 6-7 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They have spines over the surface. The seeds are round to oval and about 1 cm across. They are greyish.

There are about 50 Momordica species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in mixed and bamboo forests. It grows from sea level to 2,500 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves and shoots are eaten blanched or cooked in curries. Young fruit can also be eaten cooked. They are used as a potherb and in stir-fries.

Shoots are occasionally sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, stem, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Stakes can be provided for the plant to climb.

Leaves are available all year round.

Its other names

Local names

Ao e mu bie, Bhat karela, Gac canh, Huai, Kamas, Kambas, Kattuhakhila, Katukaipa, Kattupayal, Ku gua, Lu gua yong biu, Pare huan, Peria katak, Phak hai, Phak mae, Repiye imbo, Taw-hin-khar, Yun nan me bie

Synonyms

Momordica eberhardtii Gagn.; Momordica laotica Gagnep.; Momordica subangulata subsp. subangulata;