Genus Momordica

Momordica charantia Photo/Illustration: Pam Baggett

Approximately 45 species of annual and perennial climbers and shrubs make up this genus. They are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Some produce edible fruits and are widely cultivated.
Noteworthy characteristics: M. charantia (bitter melon) has medicinal uses, including the treatment of diabetes.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Momordica

Momordica charantia
(Bitter melon, Balsam pear) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

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An edible member of Cucurbitaceae family, bitter melon has delicate growth and exotic-looking fruits. Its light-green, puckered foliage is divided into lacy lobes, and a silvery down covers both new shoot tips and emerging leaves, giving the young growth a silken sheen. Given a post to climb, bitter melon grows up, not out, using slim tendrils to carry the plant up to 6 to 8 feet in height.

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