Tropical and subtropical vegetables (2+1)

Economic importance

• The fruits are smooth, light-green in colour. It is most commonly used as a vegetable in southern and central India. Both the immature and mature fruits are used for cooking. The fruits are rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins A and C. The leaves are also used in some parts of India for their medicinal value.
• Ivy gourd is a dioecious in nature. The immature fruits and tender shoots are used as a vegetable. Fruits are ovoid or elliptic, about 4-5cm long and 1-2cm in diameter. They are smooth and bright green with white stripes when immature and scarlet red when ripe