Coccinia grandis – Ivy Gourd

Description

A creeping or climbing vine in the pumpkin family, originally from tropical Africa and Asia, but widely cultivated elsewhere as an ornamental, as well as for food and medicinal uses. It has oval-shaped leaves, smooth above and hairy below and white, star-shaped flowers, followed by scarlet red, fleshy, sweet fruits. Coccinia grandis is a great multi-purpose, drought resistant plant for tropical climates. Its cultivation should be carefully supervised as it may become invasive in certain habitats.