About Momordica dioica Roxb. ex Willd.
Momordica dioica, commonly called spiny gourd, spine gourd, teasle gourd, or bristly balsam pear, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae, the gourd family. This plant is propagated via underground tubers. It produces small leaves, small yellow flowers, and small, dark green, round or oval fruits. It is dioecious, meaning it has separate distinct male and female individual plants, which is the origin of its scientific name. This species is used as a vegetable across all regions of India and throughout South Asia. It holds commercial importance: it is both exported and consumed locally. Its fruits are cooked with spices, fried, and sometimes eaten paired with meat or fish.
