Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Cucurbitales
Genus:
Species:
sphaerocarpa
ID:
1041052

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Cogn.) H.Schaef. & S.S.Renner

Source:
tro

Year:
2011

Citation Micro:
Taxon 60: 134 (2011)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001040390

Common Names

  • Melothria
  • Sphaerocarpa
  • Sphaerocarpa Melothria

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Description

Melothria sphaerocarpa (also called spherical-fruited melothria, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to Africa. It grows in tropical and subtropical climates, in areas with high humidity and temperatures of 15–30 °C (59–86 °F).

Uses & Benefits

Melothria sphaerocarpa has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammation, fever, and headaches. It is also used as a natural insect repellent and to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Melothria sphaerocarpa is small and inconspicuous, with a yellowish-green color. The seed is small and black, and the seedlings are small and green.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Melothria sphaerocarpa is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Central America. It can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -15°C. It is best to water the plant regularly during the growing season and to fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

Where to Find Melothria sphaerocarpa

Melothria sphaerocarpa is native to Central America and the Caribbean.

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

Susanne Renner (b.1954): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'S.S.Renner' in the authors string.
Alfred Cogniaux (1841-1916): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Cogn.' in the authors string.
Hanno Schaefer (b.1975): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'H.Schaef.' in the authors string.