Momordica charantia L. forma abbreviata (Seringe) W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes

Description:

Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.Momordica charantia L. forma abbreviata (Seringe) W.J.de Wilde & Duyfjes. Cucurbitaceae. CN: [Malay - Peria laut, Peria katak, Peria tikus], Balsam-apple, Jamaican cerassee, Melon Saint Cajetan. A wild form of bitter melon native to most of Tropical Africa, Asia Temperate, Asia Tropical and Australasia. Ornamental, folk medicine, weed. Perennial climber with prostrate or scandent stems up to 5 m long. Tendrils simple. Leaves up to 10 12.5 cm, broadly ovate to almost circular in outline, deeply 3-7 lobed, cordate at the base; ultimate margin with sinuate or lobe-like teeth. Flowers unisexual on the same plant, solitary, pale to deep yellow; male flowers larger than female flowers. Fruit ovoid with a conspicuous beak, up to 10 4 cm, usually smaller, tuberculate and ridged, orange-red when ripe; dehiscent into 3 valves.Note:Momordica charantia is segregated into two forms:1. forma charantia, the cultivated form; fruits with rounded protrusions and2. forma abbreviata, the wild form. Fruit with sharp spines.Ref. and suggested reading:FRIM Flora DatabaseMalayan Forest Records No. 49 Vol. 3www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?24520www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/species.php?species_i...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitter_melonntur.lib.ntu.edu.tw/bitstream/246246/176819/1/24.pdf