Snakegourd

Trichosanthes cucumerina subsp. cucumerina

Native to:
Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Jawa, Laccadive Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Thailand, Vietnam

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cucurbitaceae
Genus:
Trichosanthes
Species:
Trichosanthes cucumerina subsp. cucumerina
USDA Symbol:
TRAN14

Growth Characteristics

Height:
500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
white

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, moths
Fragrant:
Yes

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:
prefers fertile soils with organic matter

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions (25-30°C). Soaking seeds for 24 hours before sowing can improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI