Family: Cucurbitaceae
Synonym: Bryonia palmata L., Coccinia palmata (L.) M.Roem.
Vernacular name: Iyiviralikkova, Naiunnikkai, Namakai, Pambukodi, Sivalingakkaya
Habit: Climber
Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in the plains
Distribution: Africa, India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Malesia and Australia
Flowering and Fruiting: November-January
Key identification features: Stout climbers; leaves palmately 5-lobed, orbicular-cordate, Flowers monoecious; male and female flowers in axilliary clusters; Fruit globose, with vertical greenish and white patches. Seeds ovoid, compressed with crenulate, transverse ridge.
Uses: Tender leaves are eaten after boiling. The roots are used as an antivenom.The fruits and leaves are used to cure stomach-ache. The fruits are used as a laxative.
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