Status:
valid
Authors:
(Stocks) H.Schaef. & S.S.Renner
Source:
ksu
Year:
2011
Citation Micro:
Taxon 60: 133 (2011)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000748817
Common Names
- Benincasa fistulosa
- Fistulosa Benincasa
- Fistulosa Benincasa Plant
Synonyms
- Praecitrullus fistulosus (Stocks) Pangalo [unknown]
- Citrullus fistulosus Stocks [unknown]
- Citrullus vulgaris fistulosus Steward [unknown]
- Citrullus vulgaris fistulosus (Stocks) Duthie & Fuller [unknown]
- Colocynthis citrullus fistulosus (Stocks) Chakrav. [unknown]
- Citrullus vulgaris fistulosus (Stocks) J.L.Stewart [unknown]
Description
Benincasa fistulosa (also called Indian Cucumber, among many other common names) is a small, perennial herb with oblong leaves and small, white flowers. It is native to India and is found in grasslands and woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Benincasa fistulosa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant. It is also used medicinally to treat fever, diarrhea, and dysentery.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Benincasa fistulosa has white flowers with yellow centers and black seeds. The seedlings are small and have multiple stems. The seeds are small and black.
Cultivation and Propagation
Benincasa fistulosa is an evergreen shrub that can reach up to 2 m in height. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is by cuttings or seed. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and planted in a well-drained potting mix. Seeds should be sown in spring in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until germination occurs.
Where to Find Benincasa fistulosa
Benincasa fistulosa is found in the tropical forests of South and Southeast Asia.
Benincasa fistulosa FAQ
What is the scientific name of Benincasa fistulosa?
Benincasa fistulosa
What is the common name of Benincasa fistulosa?
Hollow Benincasa
What is the natural habitat of Benincasa fistulosa?
Dry, rocky hillsides and bushveld
Species in the Benincasa genus
Species in the Cucurbitaceae family
Abobra tenuifolia,
Acanthosicyos horridus,
Actinostemma lobatum,
Actinostemma parvifolium,
Actinostemma tenerum,
Alsomitra macrocarpa,
Ampelosicyos humblotii,
Ampelosicyos major,
Ampelosicyos meridionalis,
Ampelosicyos scandens,
Ampelosicyos bosseri,
Ampelosicyos leandrii,
Ampelosycios meridionalis,
Ampelosycios scandens,
Apodanthera anatuyana,
Apodanthera argentea,
Apodanthera aspera,
Apodanthera biflora,
Apodanthera bradei,
Apodanthera cinerea,
Apodanthera eriocalyx,
Apodanthera fasciculata,
Apodanthera ferreyrana,
Apodanthera glaziovii,
Apodanthera hindii,
Apodanthera hirtella,
Apodanthera laciniosa,
Apodanthera linearis,
Apodanthera mandonii,
Apodanthera mathewsii,
Apodanthera palmeri,
Apodanthera sagittifolia,
Apodanthera smilacifolia,
Apodanthera succulenta,
Apodanthera tumbeziana,
Apodanthera ulei,
Apodanthera undulata,
Apodanthera villosa,
Apodanthera weberbaueri,
Apodanthera longipedicellata,
Austrobryonia argillicola,
Austrobryonia centralis,
Austrobryonia micrantha,
Austrobryonia pilbarensis,
Baijiania borneensis,
Baijiania taiwaniana,
Baijiania decipiens,
Baijiania smitinandii,
Bambekea racemosa,
Bayabusua clarkei,