Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina anguina)

Family: Cucurbitaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Trichosanthes cucumerina anguina is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 5 m (16ft 5in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young fruit - cooked. It can be used in curries or eaten as a vegetable like green beans. Mature fruits can be up to 2 metres long and 10cm thick. — Young fruit - cooked.; It can be used in curries or eaten as a vegetable like green beans.; Mature fruits can be up to 2 metres long and 10cm thick.; The bright red pulp around the mature seeds is extracted and used in cooking in much the same way that tomatoes are used.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known. (Zone 10)