Trichosanthes scabra var. scabra
Trichosanthes scabra var. scabra, commonly known as Snake Gourd, is a versatile climbing vine valued in traditional medicine. Renowned for its cooling properties, it is utilized to treat digestive issues, kidney ailments, and skin conditions. This nutrient-rich plant offers significant therapeutic benefits, serving as a vital herbal remedy globally.
- Scientific name: Trichosanthes scabra var. scabra
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Cucurbitales, falling into the family Cucurbitaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Trichosanthes.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Cucurbitales | WCVP |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Trichosanthes | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical range across several key regions in Asia. In China, its distribution spans from the South-Central provinces to the Southeast coastal areas. It is also found specifically on the tropical island of Hainan. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, the species thrives in the region of Assam. Additionally, its habitat extends into the mountainous terrain of the East Himalaya.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Laos | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Trichosanthes scabra var. scabra, is highly valued in traditional medicine, particularly for its various components, with the fruits playing a significant role. The fruits are typically small, fleshy, and often characterized by a distinct shape and color that changes as they ripen. In medicinal applications, these fruits are frequently harvested and processed to extract bioactive compounds used in treating various ailments. Depending on the specific traditional practice, the pulp or the seeds within the fruits may be utilized for their therapeutic properties, contributing to the overall medicinal profile of the species.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |