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Bitter melon or Bitter gourd

Momordica charantia

Photo by Pradeep Kumar
Published on Project Noah
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12.9173, 80.0798

Field Notes

Description:

Momordica charantia often called bitter melon, bitter gourd or bitter squash in English, has many other local names.

Notes:

Bitter melon has been used in various Asian and African herbal medicine systems for a long time.In Turkey, it has been used as a folk remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly stomach complaints.

Species ID Suggestions

Bitter Melon

Momordica charantia
LennyWorthington
1

Comments (5)
Pradeep Kumar
Its called Paavaikaai in tamil, bitter gourd in english. Thank you all for your suggestions.
Seema
ya, a gourd family member
Leuba Ridgway
Could you tell us what it's called in Tamil ? As Lenny says there are many similar species but a local name would help. It's certainly from the Family Cucurbitaceae (melons, cucumbers, etc) - Paavaikaai, Vellarikaai..etc
LennyWorthington
Cucurbitaceae, Momordica ? These arn't easy.There are many species similar.I dont recognise your leaf shape.Good luck.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Tamil Nadu Biodiversity
Mission
Nature in Yellow
Mission
Leaves and Leaf arrangements Of Mt Diablo and surroundings
Photographed
PublishedJune 15, 2013

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