Status:
valid
Authors:
(Cogn.) C.Jeffrey
Source:
cmp
Year:
1962
Citation Micro:
Kew Bull. 15: 356 (1961 publ. 1962)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000377071
Common Names
- Humble Balsam-Apple
- Momordica humilis
- Humble Bitter Gourd
Synonyms
- Raphanocarpus welwitschii Hook.f. [unknown]
- Raphanocarpus humilis Cogn. ex Schinz [unknown]
Description
Momordica humilis (also called Wild Balsam-apple, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Cucurbitaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, and is found in moist forests and along streams. It is an annual herb with yellow flowers and yellow-orange fruits.
Uses & Benefits
Momordica humilis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat various ailments such as fever, cold, cough, and headache.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Momordica humilis is a small, yellow, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, green and have a single, long stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Momordica humilis is a perennial plant that can be propagated by division or by seed. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some salt in the soil. It can be propagated by division in spring or by seed in spring or summer.
Where to Find Momordica humilis
Momordica humilis is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and China. It is commonly found in moist forests and grasslands.
Momordica humilis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Momordica humilis?
Momordica humilis
What type of plant is Momordica humilis?
It is a vine
What are the uses of Momordica humilis?
It is used as a medicinal plant and for food
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,