Elastic Momordica (Momordica charantia) is an annual vine native to subtropical and tropical Asia and Africa. Today, it is widespread in the tropics and subtropics of all continents. The genus Momordica includes around 60 different species[1].
The plant has several names, including bitter gourd, bitter melon, cerasee, ampalayá, Karela, and goya.
Elastic Momordica is an annual, climbing, or extensive perennial, monoecious herbaceous plant, 2 to 3 meters tall. It can be slightly hairy or hairless. There’s a central taproot from the top of which the stems extend to climb any available support.
The green, thin, well-branched stems generally are ridged or 5-angled. The leaves are borne individually on the stems on stalks 3 to 5 cm long, and each foliage is 4 to 10 cm long, has a rounded outline, and lobes 5 to 9 deep. The foliage gives off an unpleasant odor when crushed.
The golden-yellow flowers are erect individually in the axils of the upper leaves on stems 2-10 cm long.
