Bottle Gourd

Lagenaria siceraria

Physical Characteristics

Lagenaria siceraria is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) 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 August to September. 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. 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

A widely cultivated plant, its original habitat is obscure, though it is probably Asia or Africa.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Oil Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Condiment Oil Immature fruit - cooked and used as a vegetable[2, 27, 200]. They can be boiled, steamed, fried, used in curries or made into fritters[183]. Of variable quality, but some of the selected cultivars from India and China are of very good quality, equivalent to good summer squashes[183]. The pulp around the seed is purgative and should not be eaten[46]. The fruit can be dried for later use[86]. Leaves and young shoots - cooked and used as a potherb[178, 183]. Seed - cooked. Rich in oil, it is added to soups etc[183]. A vegetable curd, similar to tofu, can be made from the seed[183]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed. It is used for cooking[177, 183]. Yields of up to 45% have been obtained[240].

Medicinal Uses

Antibiotic Antidote Diuretic Emetic Febrifuge Lithontripic Odontalgic Odontalgic Poultice Purgative Refrigerant Skin Stomachic Vermifuge The pulp around the seed is emetic and purgative[46, 178, 272]. A poultice of the crushed leaves has been applied to the head to treat headaches[257]. The flowers are an antidote to poison[218]. The stem bark and the rind of the fruit are diuretic[218]. The fruit is antilithic, diuretic, emetic and refrigerant[178, 218]. The juice of the fruit is used in the treatment of stomach acidity, indigestion and ulcers[272]. The seed is vermifuge[218]. A poultice of the boiled seeds has been used in the treatment of boils[257]. Taken with Achyranthes spp the seed is used to treat aching teeth and gums, boils etc[218]. Extracts of the plant have shown antibiotic activity[218]. In many parts of China 3 grams per day of this species (the report does not say what part of the plant) has been used as a single treatment for diabetes mellitus[218].

Known Hazards

None known