Bitter Melon

Momordica charantia

Non-native

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Size: Up to 16' high

Identification

The fruit of bitter melon is edible and generally consumed cooked in the green or early yellowing stage. The young shoots and leaves of the bitter melon may also be eaten as greens.
It has been used as an herbal remedy in Asia and Africa for a very long time.
Different parts of the plant are used to relieve diabetes, as a stomachic, laxative, antibolious, anthelmintic agent, emetic, for the treatment of cough, respiratory diseases, skin diseases, wounds, ulcer, gout and rheumatism.
Momordica charantia has a number of purported uses including cancer prevention, treatment of diabetes, fever, HIV and AIDS, and infections.

Bitter Melon by Field of Dreams

Bitter Melon Flower

Bitter Melon Fruit

Bitter Melon Fruit with Seeds