Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 1009 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000376916
Common Names
- Momordica Charantia
- Charantia Momordica
- Charantia Momordica
Synonyms
- Momordica zeylanica Mill. [unknown]
- Momordica thollonii Cogn. [unknown]
- Momordica anthelmintica Schumach. & Thonn. [unknown]
- Momordica charantia abbreviata (Ser.) Greb. [unknown]
- Momordica charantia muricata (Willd.) Chakrav. [unknown]
- Momordica papillosa Peckolt ex Rosenth. [unknown]
- Momordica muricata Willd. [unknown]
- Momordica senegalensis Lam. [unknown]
- Momordica roxburghiana G.Don [unknown]
- Momordica jagorana K.Koch [unknown]
- Momordica charantia abbreviata (Ser.) W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes [unknown]
- Cucumis argyi H.Lév. [unknown]
- Cucumis intermedius M.Roem. [unknown]
- Momordica charantia abbreviata Ser. [unknown]
- Momordica chinensis hort. [unknown]
- Momordica sinensis hort. [unknown]
- Sicyos fauriei H.Lév. [unknown]
- Momordica charantia longirostrata Cogn. [unknown]
- Momordica indica L. [unknown]
- Momordica elegans Salisb. [unknown]
- Momordica charantia pseudobalsamina Griseb. [unknown]
- Momordica charantia zeylanica Hitchc. [unknown]
Description
Momordica charantia (also called Bitter Melon, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is a perennial herb, growing up to 1m tall. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is found in lowland and montane rainforests, and also in disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Momordica charantia is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat fever, colds, and digestive problems.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Momordica charantia sub. macroloba Ach.-Dako & Blattner
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Momordica charantia has small, yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters on the stem. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are short and slender, with small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Momordica charantia is a tropical plant that is grown in warm climates. It can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or root division. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate light frosts.
Where to Find Momordica charantia
Momordica charantia can be found in the tropical regions of Africa and Asia.
Momordica charantia FAQ
What is the scientific name of Momordica charantia?
Momordica charantia
What is the common name of Momordica charantia?
Bitter Melon
What is the natural habitat of Momordica charantia?
Tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests
Species in the Momordica genus
Momordica subangulata,
Momordica welwitschii,
Momordica angolensis,
Momordica angustisepala,
Momordica cochinchinensis,
Momordica cissoides,
Momordica cordata,
Momordica clarkeana,
Momordica cabraei,
Momordica balsamina,
Momordica charantia,
Momordica camerounensis,
Momordica parvifolia,
Momordica multiflora,
Momordica obtusisepala,
Momordica rumphii,
Momordica silvatica,
Momordica racemiflora,
Momordica enneaphylla,
Momordica foetida,
Momordica denudata,
Momordica dissecta,
Momordica denticulata,
Momordica macrosperma,
Momordica jeffreyana,
Momordica humilis,
Momordica sahyadrica,
Momordica argillicola,
Momordica mossambica,
Momordica littorea,
Momordica henriquesii,
Momordica corymbifera,
Momordica cymbalaria,
Momordica dioica,
Momordica trifoliolata,
Momordica boivinii,
Momordica cardiospermoides,
Momordica kirkii,
Momordica repens,
Momordica gilgiana,
Momordica pterocarpa,
Momordica friesiorum,
Momordica anigosantha,
Momordica spinosa,
Momordica leiocarpa,
Momordica glabra,
Momordica sessilifolia,
Momordica peteri,
Momordica rostrata,
Momordica calantha,
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,