Ivy Gourd

Coccinia grandis

Physical Characteristics

Coccinia grandis is a PERENNIAL growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from August 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. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Tropical Asia To Africa.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves and long slender stem tops - cooked and eaten as a potherb or added to soups[46, 61, 105, 177, 183, 272]. Young and tender green fruits - raw in salads or cooked and added to curries etc[2, 46, 61, 105, 177, 183]. Ripe scarlet fruit - raw. Fleshy and sweet[183]. The fruit is up to 5cm long[200].

Medicinal Uses

Hypoglycaemic Laxative Miscellany Ophthalmic Poultice VD The juice of the roots and leaves is considered to be a useful treatment for diabetes[240, 272]. The juice of the stem is dripped into the eyes to treat cataracts[272]. The leaves are used as a poultice in treating skin eruptions[240]. The plant is laxative[61]. It is used internally in the treatment of gonorrhoea[240]. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the plant have shown hypoglycaemic principles[240].

Known Hazards

None known