Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Cucurbitales
Genus:
Species:
humilis
ID:
377739

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Cogn.) C.Jeffrey

Source:
cmp

Year:
1962

Citation Micro:
Kew Bull. 15: 356 (1961 publ. 1962)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000377071



Common Names

  • Humble Balsam-Apple
  • Momordica humilis
  • Humble Bitter Gourd


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Synonyms

  • Raphanocarpus welwitschii Hook.f. [unknown]
  • Raphanocarpus humilis Cogn. ex Schinz [unknown]

Description

Momordica humilis (also called Wild Balsam-apple, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Cucurbitaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, and is found in moist forests and along streams. It is an annual herb with yellow flowers and yellow-orange fruits.

Uses & Benefits

Momordica humilis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat various ailments such as fever, cold, cough, and headache.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Momordica humilis is a small, yellow, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, green and have a single, long stem.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Momordica humilis is a perennial plant that can be propagated by division or by seed. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some salt in the soil. It can be propagated by division in spring or by seed in spring or summer.

Where to Find Momordica humilis

Momordica humilis is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and China. It is commonly found in moist forests and grasslands.

Momordica humilis FAQ

What is the scientific name of Momordica humilis?

Momordica humilis

What type of plant is Momordica humilis?

It is a vine

What are the uses of Momordica humilis?

It is used as a medicinal plant and for food

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,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-2373061: Based on the initial data import
Charles Jeffrey (b.1934): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'C.Jeffrey' in the authors string.
Alfred Cogniaux (1841-1916): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Cogn.' in the authors string.