Momordica charantia L.
Selected images: Click on each image to see a larger version and details of the record View all images (26)
Photo: Mark Hyde
Nr Diagnostic Imaging Centre, East Road, Harare
Photo: Mark Hyde
Nr Diagnostic Imaging Centre, East Road, Harare
Photo: Mark Hyde
Nr Diagnostic Imaging Centre, East Road, Harare
Photo: Mark Hyde
Nr Diagnostic Imaging Centre, East Road, Harare
Photo: Mark Hyde
Nr Diagnostic Imaging Centre, East Road, Harare
Photo: Mark Hyde
Nr Diagnostic Imaging Centre, East Road, Harare
Photo: Mark Hyde
Nr Diagnostic Imaging Centre, East Road, Harare
Species details: Click on each item to see an explanation of that item (Note: opens a new window)
Synonyms:
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Common names:
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Frequency:
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Status:
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Native |
Description:
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Perennial climber with prostrate or scandent stems up to 5 m long. Tendrils simple. Leaves up to 10 × 12.5 cm, broadly ovate to almost circular in outline, deeply 3-7 lobed, cordate at the base; ultimate margin with sinuate or lobe-like teeth. Flowers unisexual on the same plant, solitary, pale to deep yellow; male flowers larger than female flowers. Fruit ovoid with a conspicuous beak, up to 10 × 4 cm, usually smaller, tuberculate and ridged, orange-red when ripe; dehiscent into 3 valves. |
Notes:
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Derivation of specific name:
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Habitat:
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In riverine fringes, along lake margins but also in old cultivation and disturbed areas. |
Altitude range: (metres) |
Up to 1650 m |
Flowering time: | |
Worldwide distribution:
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Pantropical. Probably introduced in the Neotropics. |
Zimbabwe distribution:
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N,C,E |
Growth form(s):
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Endemic status:
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Red data list status:
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Insects associated with this species:
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Spot characters:
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Display spot characters for this species |
Images last updated: |
Thursday 12 October 2017 |
Literature:
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Jeffrey, C. (1978). Cucurbitaceae Flora Zambesiaca 4 Pages 422 - 423.
Mapaura, A. & Timberlake, J. (eds) (2004). A checklist of Zimbabwean vascular plants Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 33 Sabonet, Pretoria and Harare Page 38.
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Other sources of information about Momordica charantia:
Our websites:
Flora of Caprivi:
cultivated Momordica charantiaFlora of Malawi:
Momordica charantiaFlora of Mozambique:
Momordica charantiaFlora of Zambia:
Momordica charantiaExternal websites:
African Plants: A Photo Guide (Senckenberg):
Momordica charantiaAfrican Plant Database:
Momordica charantiaBHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library):
Momordica charantiaEOL (Encyclopedia of Life):
Momordica charantiaGBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility):
Momordica charantiaGoogle:
Web -
Images -
ScholariNaturalist:
Momordica charantiaIPNI (International Plant Names Index):
Momordica charantiaJSTOR Plant Science:
Momordica charantiaMansfeld World Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops:
Momordica charantiaPlants of the World Online:
Momordica charantiaTropicos:
Momordica charantiaWikipedia:
Momordica charantia
Copyright: Mark Hyde, Bart Wursten, Petra Ballings and Meg Coates Palgrave, 2002-24
Hyde, M.A., Wursten, B.T., Ballings, P. & Coates Palgrave, M.
(2024).
Flora of Zimbabwe: Species information: Momordica charantia. https://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/species.php?species_id=157190, retrieved 16 September 2024
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