Balsam apple
Balsam Apple
Balsam Apple (Momordica balsamina), also known as African cucumber or bitter gourd, is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown for its edible fruit. Its specific epithet balsamina refers to the balsam-like scent of the plant.
Pronunciation
- /ˈbɔːlsəm ˈæpəl/
Etymology
The term "Balsam Apple" is derived from the Latin balsamum, meaning "balsam" - a term used to describe a sweet-smelling oil or resin, and the Middle English appel, from Old English æppel, meaning "apple". This is likely due to the balsam-like scent of the plant and the apple-like appearance of its fruit.
Description
The Balsam Apple is a fast-growing, tendril-bearing vine which can reach lengths of up to 5 meters. Its fruit is oblong and covered in a warty, bright orange rind when ripe. The fruit's flesh is bright red and filled with large, flat seeds. Despite its name, the fruit has a bitter taste and is often used in cooking rather than eaten raw.
Medicinal Uses
In traditional medicine, the Balsam Apple has been used to treat a variety of ailments. The fruit and leaves are used in some cultures to treat stomach and intestinal disorders, while the seeds have been used to treat skin conditions and wounds. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied by modern science, and the plant's medicinal properties should be used with caution.
Related Terms
- Cucurbitaceae: The plant family to which the Balsam Apple belongs.
- Vine: A type of plant growth habit, which the Balsam Apple exhibits.
- Balsam: A term used to describe a sweet-smelling oil or resin, from which the Balsam Apple gets its name.
- Apple: A term used to describe the fruit of plants in the genus Malus, and by extension, the fruit of the Balsam Apple.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Balsam apple
- Wikipedia's article - Balsam apple
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