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Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M.Roem.
| Family Name: | Cucurbitaceae |
| Synonyms: | Cucumis maderaspatanus L., Melothria maderaspatana (L,) Cogn. |
| Common Name: | Madras Pea Pumpkin, Rough Bryony |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Old World Tropics |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Mountain, Grassland / Savannah/ Scrubland) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Perennial herb with a climbing growth habit. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are approximately triangular with 3 distinct lobes. The terminal lobe is about 3 times larges than the lateral lobes. Leaf margin is irregularly toothed. |
| Flowers | Male and female flowers are small and yellow. Male flowers occur in clusters, while female flowers occur singly. |
| Fruit | Fruits are round berries (1 to 1.5 cm wide). They are initially light green striped with cream, but turn bright red at maturity. |
| Habitat | Occurs in mountains, grasslands and near rivers. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: A seed decoction is used to treat flatulence. Seeds are also chewed to relieve toothache pain. Leaves and young shoots are consumed as a mild laxative. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Rough |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Hastate) |
| Foliar Venation | Reticulate |
| Foliar Margin | Irregularly Incised |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Hastate |
| Typical Foliar Area | Notophyll ( 20.25cm2 - 45 cm2 ) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Unisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Solitary, Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Red |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31270 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5666 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |