Discover Nature at JCU Plants NQ Weeds by scientific name A-P Momordica charantia

Momordica charantia

Image of Momordica charantia fruit

(Balsam Pear, Balsam Apple)

FAMILY

Cucurbitaceae

Species

Momordica charantia

Common name(s)

Balsam Pear, Balsam Apple

Flower colour; life form

Flowers yellow. Vine

Distinguishing features

Leaves alternate, deeply 5-7-lobed, tendrils coiled. Male and female flowers, yellow. Fruit pear-shaped, warty to 10 cm long, splits open irregularly; yellow to orange red. Seeds are embedded in a red pulp, few to many. Widespread in the tropical and subtropical regions.

Scan of Momordica