Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Cucurbitales
Genus:
Species:
colocynthis
ID:
608513

Status:
valid

Authors:
(L.) Schrad.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1838

Citation Micro:
Linnaea 12: 414 (1838)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000607845

Common Names

  • Colocynth Citrullus
  • Citrullus colocynthis
  • Colocynth Citrullus

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Synonyms

  • Citrullus colocynthis insipidus Pangalo [unknown]
  • Citrullus colocynthis insipidus (Pang.) Fursa [unknown]
  • Citrullus colocynthis stenotomus Pangalo [unknown]
  • Citrullus colocynthis stenotomus (Pang.) Fursa [unknown]
  • Citrullus colocynthoides Pangalo [unknown]
  • Citrullus pseudocolocynthis M.Roem. [unknown]
  • Colocynthis officinalis Schrad. [unknown]
  • Colocynthis vulgaris Schrad. [unknown]
  • Cucumis colocynthis L. [unknown]
  • Cucurbita colocyntha Link [unknown]
  • Cucumis colocynthoides Pi.Savi [unknown]

Description

Citrullus colocynthis (also called colocynth, 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 colocynthis is used for its edible fruits and as an ornamental plant.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Citrullus colocynthis 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 colocynthis 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 colocynthis

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

Citrullus colocynthis FAQ

What is the scientific name of Citrullus colocynthis?

Citrullus colocynthis

What is the natural habitat of Citrullus colocynthis?

Citrullus colocynthis is found in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe.

What is the flowering season of Citrullus colocynthis?

Citrullus colocynthis flowers from late spring to early summer.

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,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-2723897: Based on the initial data import
Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
Heinrich Schrader (1767-1836): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Schrad.' in the authors string.