There is still disagreement over the correct placing of this taxon. Some botanists recognise it as a distinct species, as Trichosanthes anguina L., whilst others see it as a form of Trichosanthes cucumerina - the treatment we have used here[].

Common Name: Snake Gourd

General Information

Trichosanthes cucumerina anguina is an annual, climbing plant producing stems up to 5 metres long that can sprawl over the ground or climb into other plants for support, attaching themselves by means of tendrils and their slightly twining stems[, ].
Known only in cultivation, this species was derived from Trichosanthes cucumerina. It is cultivated, particularly in tropical Asia, but also in many other areas of the tropics for its edible fruit and leaves, plus its local medicinal applications[, ]. The plants are also grown in gardens as a dual purpose vegetable and ornamental for the white, fringed flowers, fragrant at night, and the decorative fruits[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Not known in the wild.

Habitat

Only known in cultivation

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual Climber
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental

Cultivation Details

Trichosanthes cucumerina anguina is cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas around the world, it can be grown at elevations up to 1,500 metres in the tropics. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 22 - 35°c, but can tolerate 14 - 38°c[]. The plant does not tolerate frost. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 2,000 - 2,500mm, but tolerates 700 - 4,200mm[].
Prefers a sunny position, tolerating light shade[]. Requires a rich well-drained soil and plenty of moisture in the growing season[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6.5 - 7, tolerating 6 - 8[]. Plants are intolerant of drought[].
Immature fruits can be harvested about two months after sowing the seed and cropping can continue for up to 4 months[, ].
Traditional cultivars may produces 6 - 10 fruits per year, whilst some improved cultivars may produce up to 50 fruits per year[].
The plant is very variable in the shape of the fruit, there are some named varieties[, ].
A weight is sometimes attached to the growing fruit to ensure that it grows straight[].

Edible Uses

Young fruit - cooked[, , ]. Eaten when immature, it is tastier and more nutritious than other tropical Cucurbits[, ]. The fruit can be used in curries or eaten as a vegetable like green beans[, , ]. Fully mature fruits develop a bitter flavour and become inedible[, ]. Mature fruits can be up to 2 metres long and 10cm thick[, ]. They can weigh up to 1kg and a plant can produce up to 10 fruits[].

The bright red pulp around the mature seeds is extracted and used in cooking in much the same way that tomatoes are used[].

Leaves and young shoots - cooked as a vegetable[, ].

Medicinal

The fruit is considered to be anthelmintic, emetic and purgative[].

The seed is said to be cooling[].

Peptides in the plant are used as an abortifacient in China[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in pots in a warm greenhouse in a rich soil. Sow 2 - 3 seeds per pot and thin to the strongest plant. Grow them on fast and plant out after the last expected frosts. Give them some protection, such as a frame or cloche, until the plants are growing away well.