Coccinia Grandis 20 Seeds, Ivy Scarlet Edible Gourd, Tindora, Kowai Fruit Vine

Coccinia grandis
Also known as: Scarlet Ivy Gourd, Tindora, Kowai Fruit

This climbing vine is originally native to East Africa and has been introduced to Australia, the Caribbean, southern USA and the Pacific region. Young stems are annual and herbaceous, but can become perennial and woody with time. It will flower from August to September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. It can become invasive in some places. The smooth and thin-skinned fruit turns red when fully ripe, and are only about 6cm long and 3.5cm wide.

Young leaves and long slender stem tops are cooked and eaten as a potherb or added to soups. Young and tender raw green fruits are used in salads or cooked and added to curries etc. Ripe and raw scarlet fruit are fleshy and sweet.
The juice of the roots and leaves is considered to be a useful treatment for diabetes. The juice of the stem is dripped into the eyes to treat cataracts. The leaves are used as a poultice in treating skin eruptions. The plant is laxative. It is used internally in the treatment of gonorrhoea. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the plant have shown hypoglycaemic principles. We cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Succeeds in most soils but prefers a sunny sheltered position in a humus-rich sandy soil. Dislikes clay soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. Keep the plant well watered in the growing season. USDA zones 8-11.

This offer is for 20 seeds.