Status:
valid
Authors:
Hook.f.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1871
Citation Micro:
Fl. Trop. Afr. 2: 524 (1871)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000408984
Common Names
- Telfairia occidentalis
- Fluted Gourd
- Fluted Pumpkin
Description
Telfairia occidentalis (also called Fluted gourd, among many other common names) is an annual vine that is native to tropical Africa. It grows in moist, shady areas and is tolerant of drought. Its leaves are large and lobed, and its flowers are yellow and bell-shaped.
Uses & Benefits
Telfairia occidentalis is used as a vegetable and as a medicinal plant. It is also used for erosion control and as a windbreak.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Telfairia occidentalis is a small, white, bell-shaped flower. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings have a single stem and a few leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Telfairia occidentalis is a fast-growing, climbing vine that can reach up to 10 m in height. It is best propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining medium and kept in a warm, bright location. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and allowed to dry before planting in a well-draining medium.
Where to Find Telfairia occidentalis
Telfairia occidentalis is native to West Africa and can be found in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Telfairia occidentalis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Telfairia occidentalis?
Telfairia occidentalis
What are the common names of Telfairia occidentalis?
Fluted Gourd
What is the growth habit of Telfairia occidentalis?
It is an annual climbing vine
Species in the Telfairia 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,