Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Cucurbitales
Genus:
Species:
macrosperma
ID:
377727

Status:
valid

Authors:
Chiov.

Source:
ksu

Year:
1929

Citation Micro:
Fl. Somala 1: 182 (1929)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000377059

Common Names

  • Large-Seeded Balsam-Apple
  • Momordica macrosperma
  • Large-Seeded Bitter Gourd

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Synonyms

  • Kedrostis macrosperma Cogn. [unknown]
  • Momordica bricchettii Chiov. [unknown]

Description

Momordica macrosperma (also called bitter melon, among many other common names) is a perennial vine with heart-shaped leaves and yellow flowers. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia, and prefers moist, shady areas, such as rainforests and riverbanks.

Uses & Benefits

Momordica macrosperma 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 macrosperma 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.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Momordica macrosperma is a perennial vine that is native to Southeast Asia. It can be propagated from seed or by cuttings. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. It is best grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.

Where to Find Momordica macrosperma

Momordica macrosperma can be found in tropical Africa, Madagascar, and the Mascarene Islands.

Momordica macrosperma FAQ

What is the scientific name of Momordica macrosperma?

Momordica macrosperma

What type of plant is Momordica macrosperma?

It is a vine

What are the uses of Momordica macrosperma?

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,