Coccinia grandis aka Ivy Gourd
Taxonomy
Coccinia grandis, also known as ivy gourd, scarlet gourd, tindora, and kowai fruit, is a tropical vine that grows primarily in tropical climates, especially in the Indian states. It is an annual plant with a ribbed thin stem and lateral tendrils, and its leaves are smaller than the vegetable type with round hairy petioles. The plant produces large, yellow, solitary, and axillary male and female flowers. Ivy gourd is an aggressive climbing plant that can quickly spread over trees and shrubs. In Southeast Asia, it is grown for its edible young shoots and fruits, which can be cooked as a vegetable. Ivy gourd is also a rare houseplant that needs regular watering and abundant sunlight, preferably within 3 feet of a window.
Common names
Ivy GourdHow to care for Ivy Gourd
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Ivy Gourd is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Ivy Gourd should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Lighting
Ivy Gourd thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Ivy Gourd.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Ivy Gourd plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Region of origin
Ivy Gourd’s native range is Tropical Asia To Africa.
More info:
Wikipedia
