Care of the climbing plant Momordica charantia or Bitter melon |
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The genus Momordica, family Cucurbitaceae, comprises 40 species of perennial or annual climbing plants native to Asia and Africa. Some species are: Momordica charantia, Momordica balsamina, Momordica glabra, Momordica foetida, Momordica multiflora. Common names: Bitter melon, Bitter apple, Balsam-pear, Bitter squash. This species is native to India. They are climbing plants with thin stems with tendrils that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in length. They have broad alternate fingering or webbed leaves. The flowers are yellow and have 5 petals. The fruits are green, edible and shaped like a cucumber (also a similar flavor); they turn yellow when ripe until they open and show red seeds. They are used as climbing plants to cover terrace walls or garden walls (they need supports). The Momordica charantia needs a semi-shade or full sun exposure and warm temperatures above 10 ºC (50 ºF). The soil must contain abundant organic matter and be well drained. The planting is done when the plant has 5 leaves already formed. Water abundantly because it's a plant of hot and humid climates. Fertilize in autumn with manure and with mineral fertilizer weekly in summer. They can be attacked by aphids if they suffer from drought. They propagate easily by seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the climbing plant Momordica charantia or Bitter melon |
 Momordica charantia  Momordica charantia  Momordica charantia |