Citrullus colocynthis

Citrullus colocynthis, also known as bitter apple, bitter cucumber, desert gourd, egusi, or vine of Sodom, is a desert viny plant native to the Mediterranean Basin and Asia, especially Turkey (especially in regions such as İzmir), Nubia, and Trieste.

Description

The Citrullus colocynthis plant is a perennial, trailing, vine-like herb with a yellowish-green, smooth, and glabrous stem. The leaves are alternate, simple, and deeply 3-7 lobed, with a long petiole. The flowers are solitary, yellow, and borne on long peduncles. The fruit is a smooth, round or oblong berry, resembling a small watermelon.

Uses

The plant has a variety of uses, particularly in traditional medicine. The fruit pulp is considered a purgative, and it has been used to treat constipation. The seeds have been used to treat skin diseases and rheumatism. The root and vine are also used in the treatment of diabetes and liver diseases.

Cultivation

Citrullus colocynthis is cultivated in the Middle East and North Africa for its fruit, which is used as a vegetable and in traditional medicine. The plant prefers sandy, well-drained soils and a sunny position. It is drought-tolerant and can be grown in semi-arid regions.

Toxicity

Despite its medicinal uses, the fruit of Citrullus colocynthis is highly toxic and can cause severe diarrhea and abdominal pain if ingested in large amounts. The plant is also a potential allergen, and contact with the skin can cause dermatitis.

See also

• List of poisonous plants
• Medicinal plants
• Traditional medicine

External links

• Plants of the World Online: Citrullus colocynthis

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  Illustration of Citrullus colocynthis from Köhler's Medicinal Plants
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  Citrullus colocynthis plant in Behbahan
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  Citrullus colocynthis fruit in Behbahan
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  Citrullus colocynthis fruits in Adrar
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  Citrullus colocynthis plant