White Bryony, Tetterberry, Wild hops
Bryonia alba

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family plant. It is a vine that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 2 m high and spreads 2 m wide. The rootstock is large and fleshy. The stem is weak and climbing. It has prickly spiral tendrils. These are opposite the leaves. The leaves are rough and have 5 leaflets like fingers on a hand. They are heart shaped. The flowers are green, white or yellow. They are small and of one sex. They are in the axils of leaves. The fruit are small, round berries.

There are about 10 Bryonia species. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean plant. It is best in a moist, rich soil. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Armenia, Australia, Balkans, Caucasus, Europe (country/location of origin), France, Iran, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The starch of the root is a famine food for extending bread flour after removing the acrid element. The young shoots are eaten. They are boiled and then fried. Caution: It is probably very poisonous.

The root is a famine food. It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Root, leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Arjakhaghogh, Loshtak, Xezirvik, Xezrowik

Synonyms

See Melothria