Home Page > Picture Archives > > Cucurbitaceae > Momordica charantia
Cucumis argyi, Cucumis intermedius, Momordica chinensis, Momordica elegans, Momordica indica, Momordica muricata, Momordica sinensis, Momordica thollonii, Sicyos fauriei
Balsam-pear, bitter gourd, bitter melon, bitter squash, Goya, Karela
Momordica charantia, known as bitter melon, bitter gourd, bitter squash, or balsam-pear in English, has many other local names. Goya from Okinawan and karela from Sanskrit are also used by English-language speakers.[+]
Momordica charantia, also known as bitter melon, is a tropical vine native to Asia and Africa. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and can be found growing in wild areas, particularly in the northern regions. Studies have identified its presence in Qatar's flora, highlighting its adaptability to the country's arid climate. The plant's fruits, leaves, and stems are used in traditional medicine, and its antioxidant and antidiabetic properties have been researched locally. Overall, Momordica charantia is a notable species in Qatar's botanical landscape, with potential applications in healthcare and environmental management.
Stack of warty fruits of bitter gourd (bitter melon, Momordica charantia) in Vegetable Market, Wholesale Markets area. Doha, Qatar, April 7, 2012
Haloul St, Doha, Qatar
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) cultivated in a small kitchen garden on Al Muhandiseen Street in Al Lejbailat area. Doha, Qatar, February 25, 2016Al Mawrid St, Doha, Qatar
Flower of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) cultivated in a small kitchen garden on Al Muhandiseen Street in Al Lejbailat area. Doha, Qatar, February 25, 2016Al Mawrid St, Doha, Qatar
Leaf of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) cultivated in a small kitchen garden on Al Muhandiseen Street in Al Lejbailat area. Doha, Qatar, February 25, 2016Al Mawrid St, Doha, QatarObservations of Momordica charantia in Qatar reveal its presence in various settings. The plant's warty fruits were found in stacks at the Vegetable Market in Doha, indicating its commercial availability. In a small kitchen garden on Al Muhandiseen Street, the plant was cultivated and observed to have distinctive flowers and leaves. The flowers and leaves were noted on February 25, 2016, suggesting the plant's ability to thrive in Qatar's climate. The cultivation of bitter melon in a home garden also implies its popularity as a culinary ingredient in Qatari households. The observations span several years, from 2012 to 2016, providing insight into the plant's establishment and use in Qatar. Overall, Momordica charantia appears to be a cultivated and commercially available plant in Qatar, valued for its fruits and potentially other parts.
www.theplantlist.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.