Status:
valid
Authors:
C.B.Clarke
Source:
cmp
Year:
1879
Citation Micro:
Fl. Brit. India 2: 608 (1879)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000408061
Common Names
- Truncata Snake Gourd
- Truncata Trichosanthes
- Trichosanthes Truncata
Description
Trichosanthes truncata (also called truncate snake gourd, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the gourd family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. It is a climbing vine with long, slender fruits and white flowers. It prefers moist, shady habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Trichosanthes truncata is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever, headache, and skin diseases. It is also used as a decorative plant in gardens and yards.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Trichosanthes truncata are white or pinkish-white, with five petals and five sepals. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings are small and have a single cotyledon.
Cultivation and Propagation
Trichosanthes truncata is an evergreen shrub native to the tropical rainforests of South America. It can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and rooted in a moist soil mix. It prefers a warm, humid environment with partial shade.
Where to Find Trichosanthes truncata
Trichosanthes truncata is native to India and can be found in moist forests and grasslands.
Trichosanthes truncata FAQ
What is the scientific name of Trichosanthes truncata?
Trichosanthes truncata
What is the common name of Trichosanthes truncata?
Snake gourd
What is the natural habitat of Trichosanthes truncata?
Tropical and subtropical regions
Species in the Trichosanthes genus
Trichosanthes hastata,
Trichosanthes globosa,
Trichosanthes fissibracteata,
Trichosanthes ellipsoidea,
Trichosanthes dolichosperma,
Trichosanthes edulis,
Trichosanthes floresana,
Trichosanthes elmeri,
Trichosanthes emarginata,
Trichosanthes erosa,
Trichosanthes laeoica,
Trichosanthes kirilowii,
Trichosanthes kostermansii,
Trichosanthes khasiana,
Trichosanthes hosokawae,
Trichosanthes ishigakiensis,
Trichosanthes dentifera,
Trichosanthes inthanonensis,
Trichosanthes auriculata,
Trichosanthes beccariana,
Trichosanthes dieniensis,
Trichosanthes cucumerina,
Trichosanthes borneensis,
Trichosanthes densiflora,
Trichosanthes cucumeroides,
Trichosanthes celebica,
Trichosanthes coriacea,
Trichosanthes costata,
Trichosanthes sumatrana,
Trichosanthes siamensis,
Trichosanthes leuserensis,
Trichosanthes scabra,
Trichosanthes schlechteri,
Trichosanthes sepilokensis,
Trichosanthes subvelutina,
Trichosanthes truncata,
Trichosanthes valida,
Trichosanthes villosula,
Trichosanthes wawraei,
Trichosanthes pedata,
Trichosanthes papuana,
Trichosanthes pendula,
Trichosanthes pentaphylla,
Trichosanthes longispicata,
Trichosanthes miyagii,
Trichosanthes montana,
Trichosanthes mucronata,
Trichosanthes philippinensis,
Trichosanthes refracta,
Trichosanthes rosthornii,
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,