Southern Balsampear
Momordica balsamina
- Native to:
- Angola, Australia, Benin, Botswana, Burkina, Cameroon, Caprivi Strip, Chad, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
H. Zell
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cucurbitaceae
- Genus:
- Momordica
- Species:
- Momordica balsamina
- USDA Symbol:
- MOBA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
cucumber moth (Diaphania indica-complex)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid regions, prefers open, sunny areas
Propagation & Germination
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from scarification (nicking or soaking) to improve germination.