Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) Jeffrey

 

Scientific Name: Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) Jeffrey

Family:  Cucurbitaceae

Vernacular name: Iyiviralikkova, Namakai, Naiunnikkai, Neyyunni, Pambukodi, Sivalingakkaya, Sivavalli (Malayalam)

Tribal name: Kuniyan chappu (Paniya), Uvakandasoppu (Kattunaikka)

Habit: Climber

Habitat: Deciduous forests, also roadsides

Distribution: India, Africa, Sri Lanka, sub-tropical Himalayas, China, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Myanmar, Philippines, Java

Tribal consumers: Paniya, Kattunaikka,

Parts Used: Fruit

Seasonal Availability: August-January

Key identification features: Climbing herb with bifid tendrils and simple, alternate leaves with semilunar margin-lobes. Flowers unisexual, in axillary fascicles, with a shallow bell-shaped corolla. Fruit 1-1.5 cm across, globose, with vertical greenish and white patches.; seeds ovoid with transverse ridges.