Momordica dioica - Spiny Gourd

Spiny Gourd

File size	794502
Original date	10/6/06 10:06 AM
Resolution	2272 x 1704
Flash	Flash did not fire, auto
Focal length	5.40625mm
Exposure time	1/250s
Aperture	2.8
Focus Distance
Metering Mode	Multi-segment
Camera make	Canon
Camera model	Canon PowerShot A85
Sensor type	OneChipColorArea

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Photo: Santosh Khanjodkar

Common name: Spiny Gourd • Hindi: बन करेला Ban karela • Kannada: ಮಡಿಹಾಗಲು Madihaagalu, ಮಡಹಾಗಲ Madahaagala, ಮಡವಾಗಲ್, ಮಡವಾಗಲು Madavaagal, ಮಡಿವಾಗಲ್, ಮಡಿವಾಗಲು Madivaagal, ಕಂದೆ Kande, ಕಾರ್ಚಿ Kaarchi • Manipuri: ꯂꯝ ꯀꯥꯔꯣꯠ ꯑꯈꯥꯕꯤ Lam karot akhabi • Marathi: करटोली Kartoli • Gujarati: Katwal • Assamese: Avandhya • Telugu: Agakara

Botanical name: Momordica dioica Family: Cucurbitaceae (Pumpkin family)

Spiny Gourd is a large perennial climber which grows up to 3-5 m. Alternately arranged ovate leaves are 3-5 lobed. Yellow flowers are 4-6 cm across, solitary on axillary stalks. Male and female plants are on different plants. Fruit is an ellipsoid, 3-6 cm long, densely covered with soft spines.

Identification credit: Tabish

Photographed in Maharashtra

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