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colocynth
Scientific Name: Citrullus colocynthis
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis)
Citrullus colocynthis, commonly known as colocynth, is also referred to by various other names, including bitter apple, bitter cucumber, desert gd, egusi, vine of Sodom, and wild gd.
Considerations for Children
- Colocynth has been used traditionally for baby colic, suggesting its potential presence in households with infants.
- The plant produces a small fruit, which may be attractive to children.
- The text mentions the plant contains substances with a bad taste.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Citrullus colocynthis
- Family: Cucurbitaceae (gd family)
- Synonyms:
- Cucumis colocynthis L.
- Colocynthis vulgaris Schrad.
Distribution and Habitat
Citrullus colocynthis is native to tropical areas of the Mediterranean region, Africa, and Asia. It is a desert plant.
Morphological Characteristics
- Citrullus colocynthis is a viny plant or herbaceous vine.
- It bears fruit that are round, lemon-sized, yellowish, green-mottled, and spongy.
- The fruit is described as extremely bitter.
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Citrullus colocynthis has been used as a hypoglycemic agent to reduce blood glucose levels.
- It is a traditional remedy for colic in babies.
- It has been used as a cathartic.
- Homeopathic preparations of Citrullus colocynthis are available.
- It has been used as a routine remedy for sciatica.
- It has also been used for diseased eyes.
Quirky Facts
- A French botanist (Naudin) successfully crossed the colocynth vine with a watermelon, producing fertile offspring.
Interactions with other Organisms
- The text makes an oblique reference to lead poisoning where the plant acts as an antidote.
Further Information
- WebMD provides patient medical information about Colocynth.