About Lagenaria sphaerica (Sond.) E.Mey.
Lagenaria sphaerica (Sond.) E.Mey. is a herbaceous climbing plant in the family Cucurbitaceae, commonly known as the wild melon. It grows in low-lying areas ranging from the Eastern Cape of South Africa to East Africa. It can grow along river floodplains, climb into the canopy of riparian forests, or grow in coastal dune vegetation. This plant produces large white flowers that attract many insects. Its melon gourd is green with white flecks. In populations found in Tanzania, only male flowers produce nectar, which is eaten by the Eastern Olive Sunbird. The actual pollinators of this species are carpenter bees from the genus Xylocopa. Female flowers of Lagenaria sphaerica mimic male flowers but produce no nectar. In the plant's native range, its leaves and immature fruit are eaten as vegetables. Mature fruit of this species is both unpalatable and poisonous. Various parts of the plant, including its roots, are used for medicinal purposes. Beyond use as food, the fruit is also used as a soap substitute, as a rodenticide, as an insecticide, and as balls by children. The vine of this plant is also grown as an ornamental plant.
