Citrullus colocynthis
TAXONOMY
FamilyCucurbitaceae
GenusCitrullus
Zone10
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Citrullus colocynthis, commonly known as the bitter apple, colocynth, or desert gourd, is a perennial plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean Basin and Asia, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The plant is known for its extremely bitter fruit, which has been used in traditional medicine. It has a sprawling growth habit and can survive in harsh, dry conditions.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Bitter Apple
Bitter-Apple
Bitter-Cucumber
Colocynth
Cucumis Colocynthoides
Cucurbita Colocyntha
Vine-Of-Sodom
Citrullus colocynthis subsp. insipidus
Citrullus colocynthis subsp. stenotomus
Citrullus colocynthis var. insipidus
Citrullus colocynthis var. stenotomus
Citrullus colocynthoides
Citrullus pseudocolocynthis
Colocynthis officinalis
Colocynthis vulgaris
Cucumis colocynthis
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilSandy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity40%
GDD1,800
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Citrullus colocynthis thrives in bright, direct sunlight and prefers warm temperatures. It can tolerate dry conditions but benefits from occasional watering. The plant does well in moderate humidity and should be protected from frost. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages healthy growth.Harvest
Citrullus colocynthis, commonly known as the bitter apple or desert gourd, is typically harvested when the fruits are fully mature, which is indicated by a change in color from green to yellow. Harvesting is usually done manually by cutting the fruit from the vine with a sharp knife or pruning shears. It is important to handle the fruits carefully to avoid bruising. The best time to harvest is during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to prevent heat stress on the plant and the harvester. After harvesting, the fruits should be stored in a cool, dry place to prolong their shelf life.Soil
This plant prefers sandy soil with good drainage. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but performs best in moderately fertile soil. Ensure the soil dries out almost completely between waterings to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant every few weeks during the growing season to support its growth and fruit production.Repotting
Repot Citrullus colocynthis when it outgrows its container or if the soil becomes compacted. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage and use a sandy soil mix. Repotting is best done in the early growing season.Propagation
Propagate Citrullus colocynthis through seeds. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them in a warm, sunny location. Germination typically occurs within a few weeks. Transplant the seedlings once they are strong enough to handle.Pruning
Prune the plant regularly to remove dead or damaged growth and to maintain its shape. Pruning also helps improve air circulation and reduces the risk of disease. Perform pruning during the growing season.Toxicity
Citrullus colocynthis is toxic to both humans and pets. The fruit and seeds contain toxic compounds that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress if ingested. Handle the plant with care and keep it out of reach of children and animals.Additional
Citrullus colocynthis is a hardy plant that can survive in extreme conditions. It is often used in xeriscaping and can be a valuable addition to drought-tolerant gardens. Despite its toxicity, it has been used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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