Wild bottle gourd leaves

Lagenaria sphaerica

leaf · vegetable

Non-bitter leaves gathered as a vegetable in Malawi and Zimbabwe; in Zimbabwe, the young fruits too.

Origin

From Somalia to South Africa

Where to find it

In savannas and dry forests.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The ripe fruits are bitter and poisonous: only the leaves and very young fruits are eaten.

Molecules

Beta-carotene (vitamin A) · Lutein and zeaxanthinIn small amounts, not counted Vegetable nitrates · Chlorophyll

Did you know?

Its female flowers mimic the males, but without nectar: carpenter bees are fooled and pollinate them.