Momordica charantia L.

Selected images: Click on each image to see a larger version and details of the record View all images (26)

Photo: Bart Wursten
Catapu, Sofala, Mozambique

Photo: Bart Wursten
Road to Mueredzi, Gorongosa National Park, Muanza

Detailed records: Display species records QDS maps by: Google Maps Point records by Google Maps

Species details: Click on each item to see an explanation of that item (Note: opens a new window)

Synonyms:
Common names:
Frequency:
Status:	Native
Description:	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:
Derivation of specific name:
Habitat:	In riverine fringes, along lake margins but also in old cultivation and disturbed areas.
Altitude range:	Up to 1650 m
Flowering time:
Worldwide distribution:	Pantropical. Probably introduced in the Neotropics.
Mozambique distribution:	N,Z,T,MS,GI
Growth form(s):
Endemic status:
Red data list status:
Insects associated with this species:
Spot characters:	Display spot characters for this species
Content last updated:	Sunday 22 September 2013
Literature:	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. Reekmans, M. (1983). Cucurbitaceae Flore du Rwanda Spermatophytes Volume II Pages 462 - 463. (Includes a picture).

Other sources of information about Momordica charantia:

Our websites:

Flora of Burundi: Momordica charantia
Flora of the DRC: Momordica charantia
Flora of Malawi: Momordica charantia
Flora of Rwanda: Momordica charantia
Flora of Zambia: Momordica charantia
Flora of Zimbabwe: Momordica charantia

External websites:

African Plants: A Photo Guide (Senckenberg): Momordica charantia
African Plant Database: Momordica charantia
BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library): Momordica charantia
EOL (Encyclopedia of Life): Momordica charantia
GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): Momordica charantia
Google: Web - Images - Scholar
iNaturalist: Momordica charantia
IPNI (International Plant Names Index): Momordica charantia
JSTOR Plant Science: Momordica charantia
Mansfeld World Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops: Momordica charantia
Plants of the World Online: Momordica charantia
Tropicos: Momordica charantia
Wikipedia: Momordica charantia