Momordica rostrata is in the Cucurbitaceae family. Found in Kenya, Africa.

This plant is one of many caudex-producing cucurbits belonging to the cucumber, pumpkin, squash, and gourds family. It is easy to grow.

I grow M. rostrata in a fast-draining soil mix. I protect it from cold, wet soil and frost. The vines lose their leaves and the caudex goes dormant in the winter. At this time I keep it dry, or give it very, very little water (maybe a little water, 1 or 2 times), until new growth appears in early spring. As soon as night temperatures stay 40°F or above, I put it back outside. I trim off the old vines, but some growers do not.

Vines do best with a trellis or something to climb on. Mine blooms in bright yellow flowers. Both male and female flowers are needed to produce fruit, which turns a bright orange-red.

Easy from seed if soil is above 85°F. I start them indoors on heat mats.

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