Status:
valid
Authors:
Gilg
Source:
tro
Year:
1904
Citation Micro:
Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 34: 351 (1904)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001301290
Common Names
- Momordica calantha
- Calyx Bitter Gourd
- Calantha Bitter Gourd
Description
Momordica calantha (also called Calantha's momordica, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to Central and South America, where it grows in moist, shady habitats. It is an annual herb growing to 1 m tall, with a stem up to 5 cm diameter.
Uses & Benefits
Momordica calantha is used in traditional medicine for treating fever, headaches, and stomach aches. It is also used as a natural insect repellent.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Momordica calantha has white flowers with five petals. The seeds are round and black. The seedlings have small, oval-shaped leaves.
Where to Find Momordica calantha
Momordica calantha is native to India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. It can be found in open areas, such as fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
Momordica calantha FAQ
What is the scientific name of Momordica calantha?
Momordica calantha
What is the common name of Momordica calantha?
African Cucumber
What is the natural habitat of Momordica calantha?
Sub-Saharan Africa
Species in the Momordica genus
Momordica subangulata,
Momordica welwitschii,
Momordica angolensis,
Momordica angustisepala,
Momordica cochinchinensis,
Momordica cissoides,
Momordica cordata,
Momordica clarkeana,
Momordica cabraei,
Momordica balsamina,
Momordica charantia,
Momordica camerounensis,
Momordica parvifolia,
Momordica multiflora,
Momordica obtusisepala,
Momordica rumphii,
Momordica silvatica,
Momordica racemiflora,
Momordica enneaphylla,
Momordica foetida,
Momordica denudata,
Momordica dissecta,
Momordica denticulata,
Momordica macrosperma,
Momordica jeffreyana,
Momordica humilis,
Momordica sahyadrica,
Momordica argillicola,
Momordica mossambica,
Momordica littorea,
Momordica henriquesii,
Momordica corymbifera,
Momordica cymbalaria,
Momordica dioica,
Momordica trifoliolata,
Momordica boivinii,
Momordica cardiospermoides,
Momordica kirkii,
Momordica repens,
Momordica gilgiana,
Momordica pterocarpa,
Momordica friesiorum,
Momordica anigosantha,
Momordica spinosa,
Momordica leiocarpa,
Momordica glabra,
Momordica sessilifolia,
Momordica peteri,
Momordica rostrata,
Momordica calantha,
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,