Momordica balsamina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Momordica balsamina |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Momordica
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| Species: |
balsamina
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Momordica balsamina is a special plant. It's a type of vine that grows every year and has tendrils, which are like little arms that help it climb. This plant originally comes from warm, tropical parts of Africa.
Over time, it has spread to other places around the world. You can now find it in parts of Asia, Australia, and even North and Central America. For example, it grows in some areas of Florida. A long time ago, in 1810, a famous American, Thomas Jefferson, planted this vine in his garden at Monticello. He grew it alongside other beautiful flowers like larkspur, poppies, and nutmeg.
What Does It Look Like?
This vine has pretty, pale yellow flowers. These flowers have clear lines, or "veins," on them. The plant also grows round, bright orange fruits. These fruits look a bit bumpy, like they have "warts," and are sometimes called "apples."
When the fruits are ready, they burst open! Inside, you'll find many seeds. Each seed is covered with a bright red, very sticky coating. Long ago, around 1568, the balsam apple was brought to Europe. People used it as a medicine, especially to help treat wounds.
How People Use This Plant
Some people have said that the outside skin (rind) and the seeds of the fruit might be harmful to eat. However, different cultures use plants in different ways. For example, the Tsonga people, who live in southern Africa, eat parts of this plant. They eat the leaves of the Momordica balsamina plant. They also eat the fruit itself, which is named after the plant.
Different Names for the Plant
Momordica balsamina has a few common names. It shares some names with a similar plant called Momordica charantia. These shared names include African cucumber, balsam apple, and balsam pear.
Other names just for M. balsamina are balsamina or southern balsam pear. In Africa, it has many local names. For instance, in Mozambique, it's known as cacana. In South Africa, people call it nkaka.
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See also
In Spanish: Momordica balsamina para niños
