Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Cucurbitales
Genus:
Species:
amarus
ID:
608503

Status:
valid

Authors:
Schrad.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1836

Citation Micro:
Enum. Pl. Afric. Austral. : 279 (1836)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000607835

Common Names

  • Bitter Citrullus
  • Citrullus amarus
  • Bitter Citrullus

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Synonyms

  • Citrullus caffer Schrad. [unknown]
  • Citrullus lanatus caffer (Schrad.) Mansf. [unknown]
  • Citrullus vulgaris citroides L.H.Bailey [unknown]
  • Citrullus lanatus citroides (L.H.Bailey) Mansf. [unknown]

Description

Citrullus amarus (also called bitter melon, among many other common names) is an annual, herbaceous vine native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. It has large, lobed leaves and produces yellow flowers. It is found in tropical rainforests, cloud forests, and other tropical habitats.

Uses & Benefits

Citrullus amarus is used for its edible fruits and as an ornamental plant.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Citrullus amarus has small, white flowers with yellow centers. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and have a long, thin stem.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Citrullus amarus is a fast-growing, annual plant that can be propagated from seed. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Where to Find Citrullus amarus

Citrullus amarus is native to tropical regions of Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia.

Citrullus amarus FAQ

What is the scientific name of Citrullus amarus?

Citrullus amarus

What is the common name of Citrullus amarus?

Bitter Melon

What are the uses of Citrullus amarus?

It is used in traditional medicine and as a food source.

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,