Balsam pear

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Onglets

Description

Balsam pear grows 3 to 4 m tall. Its deeply lobed leaves have 5 to 7 lobes and measure 5 to 6 cm long. The yellow flowers are bell shaped. The fruit is 4 to 6 cm long, yellowish-orange and with bright red pulp.

Reproduction

This species flowers and produces fruit throughout the year. The flowers are male or female, and both sexes occur on the same plant (the plant is monoecious). It multiplies by means of seeds.

Habitat, distribution

It grows in bright sun in low-altitude secondary forests. It originated in Africa, and is now common throughout the tropics.

Ecology

Its seeds are surrounded by a fleshy red pod (aril) that attracts birds and so helps in the dissemination of seeds. The plant grows quickly, and a single individual can cover a large area.

Uses and effects

Balsam pear is valued for its medicinal properties, in treating colds, bronchitis, rheumatism, digestive problems, hypertension, asthma and anemia. It has antiseptic properties and helps in scar formation. Its fruit is toxic. Balsam pear is used as an ornamental plant.

Scientific name

Momordica charantia L.

French name

Manjé kouli (creole)

Plant form

Herbaceous climbing plant

Family

Cucurbitaceae

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Balsam pear

Onglets

Description

Reproduction

Habitat, distribution

Ecology

Uses and effects

Scientific name

French name

Plant form

Family

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