Momordica charantia
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Perennial vine, grown as an annual in temperate climates.
Native to the tropics world-wide. This strain is wild-harvested from
Belize. Momordica fruit is a bitter anti-diabetic, which has been
shown to increase production of beta cells by the pancreas, thereby improving
the body’s ability to produce insulin. It is one of the few agents
which has the potential to bolster a flagging pancreas. Therefore, it is
a much sought-after medicinal plant, which is not readily available. I
encourage everyone to grow it and to come to know it. Cultivation:
Easy. Seed may be started in the greenhouse, then transplanted to
the garden in early summer. Provide rich, humusy soil and a trellis.
Plant 1 foot apart. Vines to about 6 feet. Water frequently.
The attractive white flower gives way to a warty, green gourd-like fruit
which swells and matures to a bright orange “melon” resembling a cross
between an overmature crookneck squash and a jack fruit. They are
filled with a bright red mucilaginous pulp containing the chitonous seed.
The fruit may be tinctured fresh.
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