Kirilowii Trichosanthes (Trichosanthes kirilowii japonica)

Family: Cucurbitaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Trichosanthes kirilowii japonica is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit. Preserved in salt or made into a gruel. The young fruits are pickled. The pulp of older fruits is eaten. Mature fruits are about 10cm long. Leaves and young shoots - cooked and used as a vegetable. — Preserved in salt or made into a gruel.; The young fruits are pickled.; The pulp of older fruits is eaten.; Mature fruits are about 10cm long.

Habitat & North American Range

See Trichosanthes kirilowii for possible related hazards. (Zone 8)