Trichosanthes edulis var. sativa
Family: Cucurbitaceae
What it is like
A pumpkin family vine. It is a climber and can grow 10 m long. It has brown hairs and can form roots at the nodes. The tendrils have 2-4 branches. The leaves are simple and have 3-5 shallow lobes and leaf stalks 3-9 cm long. The leaves are broadly oval and 9-25 cm long by 9-23 cm wide. The flowers are white and in the axils of leaves. The fruit are oblong or pear shaped. They are 15-25 cm long by 5-7 cm wide. The fruit are bright red. The fruit stalk is 4-10 cm long.
Trichosanthes edulis Rugayah is an unresolved name in The Plant List.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. In Papua New Guinea it has been recorded near Pomio, East New Britain.
Countries/locations it is found in
Papua New Guinea
How it is used for food
It is a cultivated plant.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Gulavere