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Overview
Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is a tropical and subtropical vine known for its distinctively warty, oblong fruits that are typically green but turn yellow or orange when ripe.
The plant features deeply lobed leaves and bears yellow flowers.
Its vigorous growth habit and climbing nature make it an good choice for trellises and vertical gardening.
The plant not only adds a unique visual appeal with its unusual fruits but also provides shade and privacy when used as a screening plant in domestic gardens.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.7
Maintenance: Moderate maintenance; requires regular watering, occasional pruning to manage growth, and support for climbing
Diseases: Susceptible to pests such as aphids, fruit flies, and cucumber beetles
Common diseases include powdery mildew, downy mildew, and root rot
Invasiveness: Not typically invasive, but can become aggressive in ideal growing conditions
Toxicity: Unripe fruits and seeds can be toxic if consumed in large quantities due to the presence of momordicin
Other Species: Momordica balsamina (balsam apple)
Momordica cochinchinensis (Gac fruit)
Momordica foetida (African cucumber)
Comments: Widely used in Asian, African, and Caribbean cuisines
Fruits can be cooked, pickled, or consumed in juices
Leaves and shoots are also edible and used in salads and stir-fries
Traditional medicine uses include treatments for diabetes, digestive issues, and infections
Contains bioactive compounds such as charantin, vicine, and polypeptide-p, which have been studied for their potential antidiabetic properties
Author: Bob Saunders.