Spiny bitter cucumber, Chinese bitter-cucumber
A tropical plant. It suits tropical places but also grows in warm humid climates. It occurs from northern Luzon to southern Mindanao in the Philippines. In XTBG Yunnan. In Sichuan.
Also known as:
Adavi kakara, Aganxi, Baro kakrol, Bhat karela, Bhat kerela, Bolongni kangro, Bonkakrol, Bon-karela, Buyok-buyok, Chinese-cucumber, Cochinchin gourd, Cundeamor, Fak kao, Fak-khao, Gac, Gangerua, Go-ka-kara, Gol kakoda, Golkakra, Gulkakra, Hangathai, Kakrol, Kpak-se-saw, Huihuaigaibu, Jangli-kakrol, Jankha, Kakana, Kakrol, Kankura, Kantola, Karapata, Karkataka, Karol, Khaawz, Khika-khrua, Libas, Makkao, Mubieguo, Nraupui-chi, Parog-parog, Paruk-paruk, Phak-khao, Pupia, Samon-nwe, Sla pouthuowa, Spike-fruited crow's cucumber, Spiny bitter-gourd, Sugod-sugod, Sweet gourd, Tabog-ok, Taboguak, Tangkhapi, Tangkhawt, Taw-thabut, Teruah, Tha-myet, Torobuk, Toropu
Synonyms
- Momordica macropylla Gage
- Momordica meloniflora Hand.Mazz.
- Momordica mixta Roxb.
- Muricia cochinchinensis Lour.
- Zucca commersoniana Ser.
Edible Portion
- Leaves, Vegetable, Fruit, Spice
Where does Spiny bitter cucumber grow?
Found in: Andamans, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, SE Asia, Sikkim, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Notes: There are about 50 Momordica species.
Status: Fruit are sold in markets. Leaves are sold in local markets.
Growing Spiny bitter cucumber, Chinese bitter-cucumber
Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings of firm young growth. The tuberous roots can be used. The plants are spaced 130 cm apart.
Edible Uses: The young leafy shoots are eaten cooked. They are often blanched then served with chili sauce or added to soups. The young fruit are cooked and eaten as a vegetable with other vegetables. They are boiled, stir-fried or used in curries.
Production: One plant can produce 4 kg of fruit. There can be 20-25 fruit. In Sikkim fruit are available June to July.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit | 29 | 0.6 | - | - | - | - | 90 |
Spiny bitter cucumber, Chinese bitter-cucumber Photos
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