Benincasa Pruriens F. Hispida

Description

Benincasa Pruriens F. Hispida, commonly known as wax gourd, ash gourd or winter melon, is a vine-like flowering plant that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide for its edible fruit, seeds, and leaves. The fruit is oval-shaped, smooth, waxy, and can grow up to 50 cm in length and weigh up to 30 kg. The fruit’s flesh is white, crisp, juicy, and mildly sweet, making it a popular ingredient in soups, stews, curries, and desserts.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Benincasa Pruriens F. Hispida plant has large, palmate leaves with three to five lobes that are green, hairy, and up to 30 cm in diameter. The flowers are yellow, unisexual, and have five petals. The fruit is oval-shaped, smooth, waxy, and can grow up to 50 cm in length and weigh up to 30 kg. The fruit’s flesh is white, crisp, juicy, and mildly sweet. The seeds are flat, round, and covered with a white, fibrous, and spongy layer.

Care Guide

Water

The wax gourd plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It needs well-draining soil, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant.

Fertilization

The plant needs regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and fruit production. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season.

Soil

The wax gourd plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soil as long as it is well-draining. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its fertility and water-holding capacity.

Sunlight

The plant requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. It should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Hardiness Zones

The wax gourd plant is a warm-season crop that grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

The wax gourd plant is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:

Pests

• Aphids
• Whiteflies
• Spider mites
• Thrips

Diseases

• Powdery mildew
• Downy mildew
• Anthracnose
• Root rot

Habitat

The wax gourd plant is native to Southeast Asia and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It thrives in warm climates with high humidity and rainfall. It can grow in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-draining. The plant requires full sun to partial shade and regular watering.

Question and Answer

Q: How long does it take for the wax gourd plant to mature?

A: The wax gourd plant takes about 2-3 months to mature and produce fruit.

Q: What is the nutritional value of the wax gourd fruit?

A: The wax gourd fruit is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.

Q: Can the wax gourd plant grow in containers?

A: Yes, the wax gourd plant can grow in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system. It requires regular watering and fertilization to thrive in containers.

Q: How do you know when the wax gourd fruit is ripe?

A: The wax gourd fruit is ripe when it turns yellow or white and develops a waxy coating. It should be harvested before it starts to crack or split.

Related Plants

• Cucurbita maxima
• Cucurbita pepo
• Cucumis melo

References

• “Wax Gourd.” Purdue University Center for New Crops & Plant Products. Accessed September 20, 2021. https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/ncnu02/v5-438.html.
• “Benincasa Hispida.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287869.
• “Crop Profile for Vegetables and Melons in Florida.” USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Accessed September 20, 2021. https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2017/Online_Resources/Crops/Field_Crops/Florida/Florida_Vegetables_and_Melons.pdf.