Trichosanthes cucumerina/Snake gourd, scientifically termed Trichosanthes cucumerina, goes by several vernacular names such as Chichinda or Padwal in Hindi, Potlakaaya in Telugu, Chichinga in Bengali, Pudalankaai in Tamil, and Padavalanga in Malayalam.

The goodness of this green-colored vegetable has been well-regarded for its significant medicinal value since ancient times and is widely documented in Ayurvedic texts. Today, it continues to be heralded for its immense health benefits and is widely incorporated, in popular local cuisine across India, as well as in alleviating illnesses of the stomach, liver, and skin, to name a few.

Snake gourd is a vine plant that climbs up a tree and then unfurls its flowers and fruits to hang down to the ground. Some of the largest specimens can grow up to five feet in length, which is why this gourd is often used to make the traditional Australian musical instrument, the didgeridoo. This plant is native to Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and other neighboring countries, as well as some parts of Australia and Africa. It may not be a type of vegetable that is well-known around the world, but certain cultures have been utilizing this unique food variety for hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of years. ^[1]

Snake gourd scientifically known as Tricosanthes cucumerina is a plant that bears fruit that is consumed as a vegetable. It is an annual climbing plant that belongs to Cucurbitaceae. Commonly it is known as Chinese Cucumber, Gudda Bean, Club Gourd, Serpent Cucumber, Serpent Gourd, Snake Tomato, Snake Gourd, Viper’s Gourd, Chichinda, and Padwal. Snake gourd is found wild in South and Southeast Asia including Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Southern China. It is inherent to Northern Australia and got naturalized in Florida, islands of Indian and Pacific oceans, and parts of Africa. Snake gourd is not widely known all over the world but certain cultures have used it in a variety of unique food for thousands of years. It is a vine that reaches five feet high. Due to its nutritional value, the fruit is consumed as a vegetable. It is a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B, and Vitamin A. It helps to promote appetite and cures biliousness. The bitter forms or wild are used in Ayurvedic preparations. The cultivated forms of fruit possess medicinal properties and are useful for heart diseases, blood pressure, psoriasis, and rheumatism.

Snake gourd is loaded with various nutrients which provide numerous health benefits. It possesses meaningful amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and soluble fiber. Vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin are also present in Snake gourd. It contains high content of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and iodine. The plant has a high content of chemical constituents such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Snake gourd offers fiber that supports digestive health, treats diabetes, detoxifies the body, and eradicates cholesterol from the body. It is useful to maintain a healthy heart and liver. It also counteracts respiratory problems, acidity, cancer, and worms. It provides relief from arthritis, promotes hair growth, boosts immunity, and promotes weight loss.

Plant

Snake gourd is a monoecious and vigorous climbing annual herb having furrowed, angled green stem with 3 fids branched tendrils. It has whitish and tuberous roots. The plant bears simple, alternate, palmately 5 to 7 lobed leaves measuring 7 to 25 cm by 8 to 20 cm with dentate margins. Flowers usually male occur on long peduncles in axillary racemes. Flowers have five-lobed tubular calyx, five pubescent and white oblong petals, and three stamens. Female flowers are solitary, sessile, and have three stigmas. Flowers are replaced by soft-skinned, slender, cylindrical long measuring 30 to 180 cm by 5 to 10 cm. The skin of the fruit is greenish to white or green when immature and becomes orange to red when ripened. The fruit has 1 to 1.5 mm thick brown and semi-ellipsoid flattened seeds having undulating margin.

Health Benefits of Snake gourd

Snake gourd is also called snake fruit due to its unique shape like eel elongated length between 30 to 180 cm by 5 to 10 cm. Scientifically known as Trichosanthes cucumerina belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae or squash and cucumber family. Snake gourd is a vine that climbs trees and unfurls flowers as well as fruits to hang to the ground. Snake gourd consists of fat, protein, soluble fiber, and carbohydrate along with vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and carotene. Snake gourd has great anti-inflammatory properties which could prevent the chances of heart attacks, diabetes, cancer, stroke, sleep disorders, mood disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis. Snake gourd is widely used in alternative medicine for its curative properties.

1. Lower fever

Snake gourd helps to lower fever. Add honey and chiretta to increase the efficacy of Snake gourd and to treat bilious fever. The mixture of Snake gourd and Coriander leaves is used to treat bilious fever effectively. It is also used to promote vomiting. It is also found to be effective for treating malarial fever. The decoction prepared from decoction is useful for treating fever.

2. Diabetic treatment

Snake gourd is used to lower diabetes effects. In Chinese therapy, Snake gourd is included regularly to treat diabetes. This vegetable is a low-calorie food. It is an ideal food that keeps the weight under control. The nutrition found in Snake gourd is helpful for people with diabetes Type II. It also lowers the effects of an existing condition. Obesity leads to oncoming diabetes. Snake gourd acts as a perfect dietary option which makes it satisfied and sated without adding excess calories.

3. Prevent heart ailments

The extract of Snake gourd is an aid for arterial disorders such as palpitation, stress, and pain in the heart. The extract helps to promote circulation and ensures to suffer less from heart problems. For the best results, take two cups of Snake gourd extract regularly. The extract of Snake gourd is helpful for disorders such as stress and palpitation on the heart. It assists to improve blood circulation and ensures normal heart functioning. It lowers high blood pressure as it possesses potassium that functions as a vasodilator. This helps to lower cholesterol levels in the body. It promotes the circulation of blood and lowers the chances of arterial disorders.

4. Eliminate toxins

The juice extracted from Snake gourd helps to eliminate toxins from the body. It assists the digestive process. Leaves act as emetics which eliminates the body from toxins and helps to cleanse bowels. Intake 1 to 2 teaspoons of Snake gourd juice in the morning daily to get whole benefits. The seeds of Snake gourd are used as a moistening agent for the treatment of dry constipation. It assists in the stimulation of the liver and promotes urination and speeds up the elimination of toxins from the body. It promotes the creation of bodily fluids which helps to prevent dehydration and dryness and assist in the normal functioning of the bladder and kidneys. Juice extracted from leaves provokes vomiting in case of toxicity.

5. Respiratory health

Snake gourd acts as an expectorant which helps to loosen phlegm and pus in sinuses and respiratory tracts. It benefits immune health. Toxins and foreign agents if caught in mucus and phlegm causes more serious problems. With its expectorant properties, that helps to loosen mucous and phlegm in respiratory tracts and sinuses. It prevents blockage of respiratory tracts and provides relief from stuffed nose and breathing difficulties.

6. Hair health

Alopecia is a scalp problem that causes loss of hair in patches which is an autoimmune disease. It might cause loss of hair in partial or complete in a few months. It helps to provide nourishment to follicles and strengthens them. People with alopecia might find Snake gourd helpful to stimulate the growth of new hair and protects the weakening of follicles from hair loss. Snake gourd has a high content of vitamins and minerals particularly high content of carotenes, which might be helpful for hair and skin health. Snake gourd helps to lower the intensity and frequency of dandruff.

7. Prevent liver problems

The studies show that Snake gourd possesses hepato-protective properties and is an aid to treat liver problems such as hepatitis and jaundice. The decoction made from coriander seeds and Snake gourd leaves helps to lower levels of bilirubin in blood if used two times a day. It is a home remedy for jaundice.

8. Lower acidity

Snake gourd lowers the production of excess acids and is an aid for conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, duodenal ulcer. It provides relief from symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, and burning sensation. Snake gourd salad lowers the incidence of Gastroesophageal reflex disorder.

9. Skincare

Apply the paste prepared from seeds of Snake gourd to treat wounds. It belongs to the cucumber family and is a great moisturizer for skin as it provides a cooling effect to the body and eyes. Like cucumber, the pulp of Snake gourd is used to promote skin complexion. It effectively reduces eye puffiness and reduces swelling around the eyes. Place slices of Snake gourd to eliminate dark circles. It helps to remove wrinkles and tightens skin.

10. Prevent cancer

Snake gourd has a high content of antioxidants that prevents damage caused by free radicals. It binds free radicals and helps to neutralize them. Free radicals are the cause of cancer as it attacks healthy cells of the body. Add Snake gourd to the diet to obtain the health benefits.

Beauty benefits of snake gourd

1. Maintain skin beauty. Not only for health, snake gourd also can maintain healthy skin. For beauty, it can restore the brightness of the skin due to burning by the sun. snake gourd contains very high vitamin C so it can make the skin more beautiful and radiant.
2. Hair Health: For people who suffer from alopecia, snake gourd is said to stimulate new hair growth and protect the weakened follicles of hair loss. This can be attributed to the rich mineral and vitamin content, especially high levels of carotene, which specialize in the care of skin and hair. It is also claimed that the snake gourd may reduce the frequency and intensity of dandruff.
3. anti-aging. Snake gourd contains vitamin C. It is a natural antioxidant. Antioxidants combat and eliminate the harmful of free radicals. Antioxidants help to prevent wrinkles by slowing the aging process. It also protects the skin from damage by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
4. For shiny hair. to give the hair a natural sheen, mix a cup of fresh juice of snake gourd with yogurt and apply on the hair. Wash the hair after few time, to make the hair looks shiny and beautiful.
5. anti-dandruff. Dandruff is a common problem and is mainly caused due to consumption of unhealthy foods and exposure to pollution. To counteract dandruff, you can try hair treatment with a mixture of snake gourd and caraway seeds. Perform this hair care for 1 month, to get rid of dandruff.
6. Addressing itchy scalp. To combat the dry hair and scalp itch, rub a slice of snake gourd on the scalp and massage in a circular motion, then rinse with clear water. To relieve itching, apply the treatment with a mixture of snake gourd with avocado or banana as a hair mask and apply on the scalp. Do this at least once a week to get rid of the itching of the scalp.
7. cope with greasy hair. Increased intake of oily foods can lead to the accumulation of excess oil on the hair. If you have oily hair, first, you have to limit your consumption of greasy foods. Apply a mixture of snake gourd juice and apple cider vinegar to remove excess oil on the hair.

Astonishing Health Benefits Of Snake Gourd Seeds:

Remedies Hypertension

The seeds of snake gourd supply potassium, a key mineral that maintains electrolyte balance in the body, besides isoflavone antioxidants, that prevent a sudden rise in blood pressure. By relieving extreme tension in the heart vessels – arteries, veins, and capillaries, while promoting the smooth flow of nutrients to bodily organs via circulatory passages, snake gourd seeds mend instances of hypertension, regulating blood pressure.

Cures Diarrhoea

Bestowed with tremendous antimicrobial potential, snake gourd seeds combat invading pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract. Bacteria, toxins, parasites, and viruses accumulate in the gut as a result of food poisoning, indigestion, or irritable bowel syndrome, triggering recurrent bowel movements with wobbly, watery stools i.e. diarrhea. Snake gourd seeds flush out the germs and contaminate particles from the stomach, intestines, restoring digestive health.

Manages Diabetes Symptoms

People with diabetes mellitus invariably display excessive oxidative stress and harmful free radicals in their system, along with alarmingly high blood sugar levels. Snake gourd seeds comprise profuse amounts of the antioxidants lycopene and bioflavonoid glucosides, which significantly improve insulin activity, synthesis in the pancreatic beta cells, in addition to lowering elevated blood glucose levels in diabetics.

Snake Gourd Uses For Skin And Hair:

Naturally Moisturizes Skin

Snake gourd has innate content of the smoothening or emollient Vitamin E, which also has antioxidant properties. The gel extract from the vegetable, when applied on sunburns and rashes, pacifies the aggravated and dried-up regions of the skin, leaving it soft and completely moisturized.

Combats Skin Infections

The residue derived from snake gourd leaves has astringent traits. This helps in neutralizing the highly enflamed spots on the skin. It also efficiently reduces any boils, pus or carbuncles on the areas of the skin affected by allergies, fungal infections, environmental pollutants, and sun rays.

Promotes Hair Growth

Snake Gourd has a multitude of vitamins and minerals which provide nourishment and vigor to the hair strands. Moreover, when applied as a gel, it penetrates deep into the layers of the scalp and protects follicles, thereby maintaining the thickness and stability of hair. Snake gourd is an ideal option if you are looking to gain long and strong hair.

Tackles Excessive Dandruff

Snake gourd has potent chemicals that can reduce the intensity of flakiness and dandruff on the scalp of hair. It can also shelter the roots of the hair strands, known as follicles, from the dirt and fungus particles that trigger dandruff. Snake gourd gel, when applied routinely to the itchy and peeling scalp and dry hair, can significantly revamp the appearance of dull hair, giving it an incredible sheen.

Snake Gourd Hair Gel

Ingredients:

1 medium-sized snake gourd

Method:

Remove the peel of the snake gourd and cut it into two halves.

Now, scrape out all the seeds thoroughly and use only the soft inner portion.

Blend it into an even paste in a mixer without adding water, to obtain a slightly viscous gel.

Apply it on the scalp, leave it on for about 30 minutes and then wash it off using a gentle shampoo.

How It Works:

Snake gourd possesses moisturizing and anti-fungal properties, which act like a balm, soothing the irritated scalp and eliminating dandruff particles. When used once a month, this simple yet highly effective homemade snake gourd hair gel prevents flaking of the scalp and ensures nourished and lustrous tresses.

Snake Gourd Therapeutic Uses In Ayurveda:

Since time immemorial, snake gourd has been utilized in the vegetable, leaf, root, and juice forms,  as these are imbued with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant elements, to prepare ayurvedic concoctions and tonics, to remedy sicknesses such as fevers, jaundice, heart ailments, and bone disorders.

Battles Fevers

The phytonutrients or plant compounds in snake gourd have an inherent temperature-reducing potential. The leaves of snake gourd, when rubbed on a person suffering from high viral fever, provide immediate relief, reducing body temperature and symptoms of fatigue. Moreover, since normal metabolism is affected during fevers, snake gourd leaves also expel excess water and salts from the body, in order to help maintain ideal electrolyte balance.

Fights Jaundice

The leaves of snake gourd contain substances called cucurbitacins, which play a crucial role in boosting the defense system and liver function in the body. In addition, snake gourd leaves also contain remarkable amounts of Vitamin C, which adds to immune function and antioxidant capacity in those suffering from jaundice. The ayurvedic remedy comprises crushing the leaves of snake gourd along with coriander seeds and consuming it twice a day, to treat jaundice.

Remedies Heart Ailments

Snake gourd extract is considered as one of the best remedies for cardiac ailments such as palpitations, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease. In traditional Indian medicine, a dose of two cups of snake gourd extract is given to those suffering from heart problems, to promote blood circulation and ameliorate the difficulties in performing normal day-to-day activities.

Treats Alopecia

Snake gourd gel, when prepared and applied in instances of severe hair fall, invigorated the blood circulation and nerve function in the scalp, promoting rapid hair growth. Alopecia is characterized by prominent bald spots and excessive hair loss, and the high carotene content in snake gourd gel extract counters these factors, to reduce constant hair fall and enhance the strength and smoothness of hair.

Recovers Joint Illnesses

Being an effective anti-inflammatory, snake gourd juice actually reduces bone and muscle pain and heals joint disorders such as arthritis, osteoporosis, gout and fractures. In addition, it is packed with the three essential bone-fortifying minerals namely calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous, which in turn increases bone mass and helps regain flexible movement in muscles and joints.

Uplifts Immunity

Being a powerhouse of vitamin C and a host of flavonoids and carotenes, snake gourd is a potent agent to boost immune system function in situations of illnesses. Since the function of organs is below the optimum during disease, consuming snake gourd vegetables instills vitamin C to blood cells, which is subsequently transported to other organs to recover their peak functioning levels. It also helps to recuperate from tiredness.

Regulates Thyroid

The thyroid hormone levels tend to fluctuate and rise above the normal range in some people, causing hyperthyroidism. Snake gourd is profuse in iodine content, which is vital to reduce elevated thyroid hormone levels, as well as zinc, which plays a central role in facilitating enzyme function for optimizing thyroid concentrations.

Alleviates Insomnia

The prominent vitamin B6 or pyridoxine content in snake gourd juice is very beneficial in monitoring brain functions and allowing the unobstructed conduction of nerve impulses. Hence, during instances of insomnia or severe lack of sleep, having a glass of snake gourd juice can lessen the activity of neurotransmitters and promote sleep.

Snake Gourd Recipes:

Snake Gourd Kootu

Ingredients:

2 medium-sized snake gourds

1 cup moong dal

½  tsp mustard seeds

½ tsp cumin seeds

2 dry red chilli

¼  tsp turmeric powder

¼  tsp hing

1 tsp sambar powder

Salt, as required

1 tbsp sesame oil

Coriander leaves, for garnishing

¼ cup grated coconut

Method:

Wash the snake gourds, remove the seeds and cut into small pieces.

Add three cups of water to moong dal and pressure cook along with cut snake gourd, on medium flame for two whistles.

Blend the grated coconut with cumin seeds, along with a little bit of water in a mixer and set aside.

In a deep pan, heat some sesame oil, add mustard seeds and once they pop, add red chili and hing and sauté for two minutes.

To this sautéed mix in the pan, add the cooked dal and snake gourd with some water, and boil for a few minutes.

Now add the grated coconut blend along with sambar powder, turmeric powder, and salt and cook for five more minutes, so the flavors soak into the you.

Remove from the flame and garnish the kootu with coriander leaves.

The snake gourd kootu can be had with warm rice for lunch or dinner.

Nutrition:

Snake gourd is a rich source of dietary fibers to aid in digestion, it also has significant amounts of vitamins C and E and antioxidants, which improve skin and hair health and remove harmful free radicals from injuring the healthy cells in the body. Moong dal is abundant in proteins, to build muscle mass and perform vital biochemical functions. Coconut provides healthy unsaturated fats which are key to regulating body temperature and energy for performing daily activities.

Snake Gourd Thayir Pachadi

Ingredients:

2 cups cut snake gourd pieces

2 cups curd or yogurt

3 green chilies, slit lengthwise

½ tsp mustard seeds

½ tsp cumin or jeera seeds

1 tsp urad dal

1 tsp sesame oil

A few curry leaves

Salt, to taste

Method:

Boil the cut snake gourd pieces in some water in a dish, on low flame, until they become soft.

In a pan, heat the oil and add mustard seeds.

Once the mustard seeds begin to sputter, add cumin seeds and urad dal and sauté for two minutes.

Finally, add the curry leaves and green chillies and switch off the flame.

Add the snake gourd pieces and allow to cook in the heated up pan.

Once the mix cools down to room temperature, add the curd and required salt, to taste.

This snake gourd curd pachadi perfectly complements chapatis, sandwiches and rice.

History of Snake Gourd

Snake gourd is grown within the Asian countries as well as across Australia and Nigeria. Snake gourd is a well-liked veggie which is acquirable in India, within the southern regions both lengthier, as well as smaller sizes, can be obtained all year round on the market as well as in the northern regions it’s mostly cultivated in home gardens. Just the smaller-sized types of snake gourds are located within the Indian groceries in the west. Its popularity is based on the dish known as aviyal, a vegetarian gravy covered with a number of veggies and curd offered within the southern restaurants.

Types of Snake Gourd

Listed below are some popular varieties of Snake gourd with a few of its description:

1. Snake Gourd, Long EX

This particular variety creates green skin fruits along with white stripes, 10-20 inches long. Plants develop intensely in warm summer and therefore are very prolific. For short period areas, it is strongly recommended to begin planting/seeding indoors as well as transplant later into the open fields once the weather permits. Choose young fruits for cooking use.

 

 

2. Snake Gourd, Hybrid Snaky

This particular freshly developed hybrid snake gourd has become extremely popular in Asia due to its top quality and high production of fruits. Plants are really energetic as well as work well in comfortable environments and raining periods, very productive and resistant against illnesses. Green skin fruits along with lengthy white stripe are about 1.5″ x 18″ in size as well as 100-120 grams in weight. The flesh of young fruit is extremely crunchy and attractive, good for soups and stir fry. Plants are grown just about all year round in subtropical as well as exotic areas in Asia.

 

3. Snake Gourd, India Short

This particular Snake Gourd variety is indigenous to India. Fruits have got mild greenish-white skin along with a green stripe shoulder, about 12 inches lengthy and 2.5 inches in diameter. The plant is extremely energetic in warm climates as well as creates plenty of fruits for a long period. Fruits are collected when they’re young and therefore are extremely popular in Indian cooking.

 

 

4. Snake Gourd, Hybrid White Glory

This excellent snake gourd is really a new hybrid developed as well as introduced recently by the major seed company in Thailand. White skin fruits are about 38 cm x 3.5 cm in dimensions and 100 grams in weight. Plants grow intensely in hot climates, ideal for subtropical climates with higher rain. This particular vine plant is extremely prolific and also first fruit picks can be acquired 45-50 days after sowing. This particular variety is highly resistant to disease attacks, simple to grow.

 

 

5. Snake Gourd, Hybrid Thai Extra Long

This can be a new hybrid variety produced by a leading seed company in Thailand. Additional long fruit can reach 78 cm long with 3.6 cm in diameter, 370 grams in weight. The fruit’s skin is light green with white stripes. Plants grow intensely in hot climates and are incredibly productive. To get fruit in a straight and very long shape, plants are best grown across the high supports. Fruits could be harvested at any stage, from young to full size. Simple to grow.

 

 

Traditional uses

• In Ayurveda, Snake gourd is used to treat liver disorders.
• In Konkan, the juice of the leaf is rubbed over the liver for treating liver congestion.
• An infusion of dried capsules and tender shoots is considered to be aperient.
• Roots are used to eliminate intestinal worms.
• In China, roots are used to treat diabetes, skin problems such as furuncles and boils.
• An infusion prepared with coriander seeds and snake gourd leaves is an aid to counteract jaundice by lowering bilirubin levels.
• Apply the sap of Snake gourd externally to treat alopecia and dandruff.
• Make the concoction from honey, Snake gourd leaves, and coriander. This helps to lower intestinal and bilious fever.
• Juice extracted from leaves helps to eliminate constipation by cleansing bowels.
• In the cause of poisoning, it is used to promote vomiting to purge one’s stomach.
• For severe cough and cold, the extract of Snake gourd helps to dissolve pus and phlegm in the respiratory tract.
• In Ayurveda, the plant is considered to eliminate constipation, vitiated pitta, burning sensation, skin diseases, anorexia, diabetes, constipation, flatulence, fever, worm infestation, and general weakness.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Excessive consumption of Snake gourd causes stomach problems along with other few minor issues.
• Pregnant women should consume it in small quantities otherwise it causes damage to the fetus.
• Consult the doctor with the people having health ailments.
• Consume it in moderate amounts.
• People who are allergic to the Cucurbitaceae families such as gourds, squashes, citronellas, and gourdes should avoid it.
• Overdose of seeds causes nausea, gastric soreness, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How to Eat         

• Young fruit is consumed as vegetables and also added to curries.
• In South and Southeast Asia, Snake gourd is used as an ingredient in cuisines.
• Cook the leafy tendril shoots and leaves as greens.
• In Liberia, Sierra Leone, Benin, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Nigeria, the pulp of ripe fruits are added to soups, stews, and sauces and as a substitute for tomato puree or paste.
• Seeds are used to extract oil and made it into flour.
• The pulp is used as a substitute for tomatoes.
• Snake gourd is used to prepare stew preparations and traditional Indian soups.
• Make a nutritional salad dish by adding chopped Snake gourd with tomato and capsicum.
• It is also used to make pickles.
• Snake gourd poriyal could be prepared by stir-frying snake gourd with black gram lentils, curry leaves, and red chilies.
• Saute it into a paste with other ingredients such as cumin seeds, sesame, and lentils for preparing a South Indian dish called thogayal.
• Prepare a snack (fritters) by dipping sliced Snake gourd into a paste of gram four and rice flour.

Other Facts        

• The longest Snake gourd which was ever recorded measures 1.88 meters grown by a resident of Oman.
• Snake gourds could grow upto 200 cm long which turns to dark red at maturity.
• It is a member of the pumpkin family.
• Snake gourds which are matured fully are so tough that they could be turned into traditional Australian musical instruments.
• The flower opens in the evening or early morning so that the plant could be pollinated by moths.
• An immature fruit provides an unpleasant odor and slightly bitter taste.
• The mature fruit becomes too mature for consumption.

 

References

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