Lagenaria siceraria Bottle gourd (Cucurbitaceae)

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Lagenaria siceraria
Bottle gourd
(1 Page of 5)

The Lagenaria siceraria plant species is found in The original habitat is obscure, it is probably Asia or Africa. It is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Bottle gourd. Some home gardeners know the variety as L. vulgaris.

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Latin Name:  Lagenaria siceraria
Common Name:  Bottle gourd
Family:  Cucurbitaceae
Author:  (Molina.)Standley.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  9   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Not known in the wild.

Medicinal Information: The pulp around the seed is purgative[46, 178]. A poultice of the crushed leaves has been applied to the head to treat headaches[257]. The flowers are an antidote to poison[218]. The stembark and the rind of the fruit are diuretic[218]. The fruit is antilithic, diuretic, emetic and refrigerant[178, 218]. The seed is vermifuge[218]. A poultice of the boiled seeds has been used in the treatment of boils[257]. Taken with Achyranthes spp the seed is used to treat aching teeth and gums, boils etc[218]. Extracts of the plant have shown antibiotic activity[218]. In many parts of China 3 grammes per day of this species (the report does not say what part of the plant) has been used as a single treatment for diabetes mellitus[218].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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