Tropical Plant "Balsam pear"
Momordica charantia

Characteristics - The balsam pear is a tropical fruit that originated in Africa and Asia. It grows spontaneously along fence lines and in empty lots, throughout the country. It is an annual, herbaceous, a climber, monoecious, very vigorous. Leaves are membranaceous, variably lobed, 4-12 cm in length. Flowers are solitary and unisexual. The fruits are carnose, dehiscent capsules, with the seeds surrounded by a dense pulp (aril) which is succulent and red in color, with a slightly, sweet flavor.

Uses - The fruits are consumed, exclusively, in natura, but are not widely appreciated. Since they are dehiscent, they should be gathered before they open, when they are not completely yellow (ripe).

Propagation - Propagated by seeds.