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Lagenaria sphaerica

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Wild melon
Fruit of Lagenaria sphaerica
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L. sphaerica

(Sond.) Naudin
Binomial name
Lagenaria sphaerica

Lagenaria sphaerica is a herbaceous climber in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is commonly known as the Wild melon.

These plants are found in low-lying areas from the Eastern Cape of South Africa to East Africa. The may grow along river floodplains or up into the canopy of riparian forests. They may also be found in coastal dune vegetation.

These plants produce large white flowers which attract many insects. The melon gourd is green and flecked with white.

References

  • Pooley, E. (1998). A Field Guide to Wild Flowers: KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Region. ISBN 0-620-21500-3.
  • Dressler, S.; Schmidt, M. & Zizka, G. (2014). "Lagenaria sphaerica". African plants – a Photo Guide. Frankfurt/Main: Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg.