Trichosanthes multiloba

Physical Characteristics

Trichosanthes multiloba is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER at a fast rate. It is frost tender. It is in flower from July 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

E. Asia - China, central and southern Japan and the eastern Himalayas.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Root Edible Uses: Oil An edible starch is obtained from the root[183]. It requires leeching[179]. The root is harvested in the autumn, cut into thick slices, soaked for 4 - 5 days in water, changing the water daily until the root disintegrates and can be mashed into a fine pulp. It is then steamed into cakes or used for making dumplings[177, 178, 179]. The starch is mixed with wheat or rice flour and made into crackers, dumplings, noodles etc.

Medicinal Uses

Antitussive Astringent Diuretic Febrifuge Tonic Antitussive, astringent, diuretic, febrifuge, tonic[178].

Known Hazards

None known