Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad.
حنظل
Syn. Cucumis colocynthis L.
Bitter Gourd, Colocynth, Desert Squash, Desert Melon
Cucurbitaceae
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Morphological Description
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Description
Perennial, spreadinggly branched herb with usually rigid scabrid-raspy branches and leaves. Tendrils simple, usually unbranched. Leaves petiolate, lamina up to 12 x 6 cm, pinnately 3-5-lobed lobulate with somewhat involute margins, base deeply cordate. Female flowers on up to 3.5 cm long pedicels, ovary hairy. Fruit globose, up to 10 cm across, longitudinally green-striped when young, smooth and uniformly pale yellow at maturity. On drying up, these become very light rattling balls rolling around on the ground or carried away by water.
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Description
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Habitat and Distribution
- Habitat
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Geographical Distribution Range
This Saharo-Arabian is distributed across Sahara, Middle East and Indian subcontinent. Within the Arabian Peninsula, it is native to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Gulf States, Oman, Yemen, and Socotra.
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Ecology
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Phenology
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecFloweringFructification
- Origin
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IUCN Red List Category
Not Evaluated
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Remarks
Colocynth is widespread in arid regions, particularly in degraded or overgrazed areas as t is not aappreciated by livestock. Its large ball-like, rolling fruits disperse numerous seeds, allowing the species to spread easily across desert landscapes. One plant can produce between 40 to 60 fruit per season.
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Phenology
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Uses and Values
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Aromatic and Medicinal Use
Medicinal use
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Other Usages
Palatable; Edible for birds
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Description of Traditional Uses
A well-known ethnobotanical species used for centuries in traditional medicine as a purgative and to treat various ailments, including rheumatism and skin infections. The seeds are sometimes consumed, and the plant serves as a source of fodder for camels and livestock.
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Aromatic and Medicinal Use
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