Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Cucurbitales
Genus:
Species:
hispida
ID:
563226

Status:
valid

Authors:
Cogn.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1881

Citation Micro:
Monogr. Phan. [A.DC. & C.DC.] 3: 513. 1881 [Jun 1881]

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000562558



Common Names

  • Wax Gourd
  • White Gourd
  • Winter Melon


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Synonyms

  • Lagenaria dasystemon Miq. [unknown]
  • Benincasa pruriens (Seem.) W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes [unknown]
  • Benincasa pruriens hispida (Thunb.) W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes [unknown]
  • Benincasa cerifera Savi [unknown]
  • Benincasa cylindrica hort. ex Ser. [unknown]
  • Benincasa vacua (F.Muell.) F.Muell. [unknown]
  • Cucurbita alba Roxb. ex Wight & Arn. [unknown]
  • Cucurbita farinosa Blume [unknown]
  • Cucurbita hispida Thunb. [unknown]
  • Cucurbita littoralis Hassk. [unknown]
  • Cucurbita pruriens Parkinson [unknown]
  • Cucurbita vacua F.Muell. [unknown]
  • Cucurbita villosa Blume [unknown]
  • Gymnopetalum septemlobum Miq. [unknown]
  • Benincasa hispida chieh-qua F.C.How [unknown]
  • Lagenaria leucantha hispida (Thunb.) Nakai [unknown]
  • Lagenaria siceraria hispida (Thunb.) H.Hara [unknown]
  • Lagenaria vulgaris hispida (Thunb.) Nakai [unknown]
  • Cucurbita pruriens Seem. [unknown]
  • Benincasa hispida hispida [unknown]
  • Lagenaria leucantha clavata Makino [unknown]
  • Pepo villosus (Blume) Peterm. [unknown]
  • Pepo farinosus (Blume) Peterm. [unknown]

Description

Benincasa hispida (also called Wax Gourd, among many other common names) is a species of vine native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It has large, waxy leaves and white flowers that grow in clusters. The fruit is large and round, with a thick, waxy skin.

Uses & Benefits

Benincasa hispida is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever, cough, and sore throat. It is also used as a food source, as its fruits are edible and can be cooked and eaten. The leaves of the plant are also edible and can be used in salads and soups.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Benincasa hispida is a white, bell-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, round, and green.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Benincasa hispida is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that grows up to 2 m (6 ft) tall. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagate by seed or cuttings. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.

Where to Find Benincasa hispida

Benincasa hispida can be found in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Benincasa hispida FAQ

What is the scientific name of Benincasa hispida?

Benincasa hispida

What are the common names of Benincasa hispida?

Wax Gourd

What is the natural habitat of Benincasa hispida?

Tropical and subtropical regions of Asia

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,

References