Here's what I learned about yesterday's mystery plant:
Family: Cucurbitaceae (koo-ker-bih-TAY-see-ee) (Info)
Genus: Momordica (mo-MOR-di-ka) (Info)
Species: balsamina (bal-SAM-in-uh) (Info)
8 members have or want this plant for trade.
Category:
Vines and Climbers
Height:
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
Spacing:
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Danger:
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color:
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time:
Blooms all year
Blooms repeatedly
Foliage:
Herbaceous
Chartreuse/Yellow
Other details:
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting:
Remove fleshy coating on seeds before storing
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
It would be great on a fence or arbor,
neither of which we have.
I'm not brave enough to eat it.
Seeds, anyone?
and
Looks interesting but I can't grow it--dry sand and all. But, it is neat. Thanks for sharing this unique one!
ReplyDeleteOh good, I'm glad you explained what it was! I'd been wondering :) I doubt it would grow here, but enjoy it there!
ReplyDeleteI've seen it here in Orlando, don't know about the "moist soil" part, I've seen it growing in pretty dry areas. It will quickly cover a fence as well as any other plants around it, it self seeds readily, and can be hard to get rid of. Personally, I'd call it a noxious weed.
ReplyDeleteHi Daisy, It's very bright and colorful. I wasn't familiar with this plant. Thanks for sharing. Always good/interesting to see new (to me) plants. Happy FF!
ReplyDeleteBeth
Is it something you can eat? It looks like what my elderly friend calls a soap pod tree. Why would someone want this? Just curious.~Ames
ReplyDeleteSue-It's always a pleasure!
ReplyDeletekaty-Thank you!
A. Riley-It may not be staying if it tries to take over, but for now I am enjoying the yellow blooms.
Beth-Glad you enjoyed your visit!
Ames-I was just curious too, that's why I let it keep growing. I always enjoy learning about new plants. I think it is eaten, but not by me!