Balsampear

Momordica cochinchinensis

Native to:
Australia, Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, China, India, Jawa, Laos, Malaya, Maluku, Myanmar, New Guinea, Philippines, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cucurbitaceae
Genus:
Momordica
Species:
Momordica cochinchinensis
USDA Symbol:
MOCO5

Growth Characteristics

Height:
1500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
yellow, cream

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
native to tropical regions, prefers fertile soil

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from soaking in warm water for 24 hours and light scarification. Warm temperatures (25-30°C) promote germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI