Herpetospermum pedunculosum
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Genus
- Herpetospermum
- Height
- 2 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Edible uses
Seed - fried and then eaten[2].
- Plant part
- Seed
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
The seeds are used in Tibetan medicine, where they are considered to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency[1]. Anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, choleretic and febrifuge, they are used in the treatment of piles, inflammation of the stomach and the intestines[1]. The pounded root is used to treat problems of the bile ducts[2].
- Product or use
- Antiinflammatory
- Product or use
- Cholagogue
- Product or use
- Febrifuge
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Climber
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - Himalayas to China and Tibet.
- Habitat
- Forest edges, especially along trails at elevations of 1000 - 3000 metres in Nepal[2].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and consider giving them some winter protection for at least their first winter outdoors - a simple pane of glass is usually sufficient[K].
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by its native range, it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. Judging by its native habitat, it is likely to prefer growing along a warm sunny woodland border in Britain[K]. 241077
References
Tsarong. Tsewang. J. Tibetan Medicinal Plants Tibetan Medical Publications, India 1994-00-00 ISBN 81-900489-0-2
Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6