Teasle gourd in Khagrachari, Bangladesh
Teasle gourd is a small egg shaped vegetable fruit, related to the bitter gourd and sometimes called ‘Small bittergourd’. It is found mainly in tropical Asia.
Names
Scientific
Momordica dioica
English
Kakrol
Spiny gourd
Teasle gourd
Other
Kakrol
Taxonomy
Order
Cucurbitales
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Genus
Momordica
Species
Momordica dioica (Teasle gourd)
Basic information and facts
Origin:
Teasle gourd probably originates from the Indian sub-continent.
Distribution:
Tropical regions of Asia, especially India and Bangladesh. Also China, Japan, South-East Asia.
Plant:
It is a climbing creeper plant.
Flowers:
Teasle gourd has separate male and female plants.
Leaves:
?
Fruits:
Teasle gourd is a oval egg-shaped vegetable fruit. The fruit is 3 to 7 centimeters long. It has a green or yellow color and the surface is covered with soft spines. Fruits are rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron and carotene
Climate and weather:
Likes a tropical climate. It is grown in Bangladesh as a summer vegetable.
Propagation:
Teasle gourd is propagated using the tuberous roots.
Insect pests:
?
Diseases:
?
Growth:
Teasle gourd can be harvested about 90 or 100 days after planting.
Harvesting:
Hand picking of the fruits
Uses:
Fruits are eaten as a vegetable and are cooked or fried.
Also used as a medicinal plant to prevent or cure diseases.
Crop categories
Fruit vegetables
Minor crops
Subtropical crops
Tropical crops
Vegetables
Pictures
Teasle gourd in Khagrachari, Bangladesh
Teasle gourd
Teasle gourd
Teasle gourd
Teasle gourd flower