These days, visitors to Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) may happen to see some special fruits they have never seen before. These strange fruits are called Telfairia occidentalis, commonly known as fluted gourd or fluted pumpkin.

It’s the first time that Telfairia occidentalis came to fruits since it was introduced to XTBG.

Telfairia occidentalis, is a perennial climbing, dioecious plant that can be found in West tropical Africa and can grow up to 15 m long. It is tolerant to drought and grown mainly for food and medicinal uses. The creamy white and red flowers occur in sets of five.

 The fruits have a unique shape, green when young then turns yellow upon ripening and contain edible seeds that are high in protein and fat. The seeds can be eaten whole, ground into powder, or made into a fermented porridge. Seed oil is used in cooking. 

Young shoots and leaves of female plants of this species are consumed as vegetables. Medicinally, the plant is used for convulsion, malaria, anemia, and cardiovascular diseases.

Telfairia occidentalis belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is endemic to West Africa and primarily grown in Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland), semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. Propagation is by seeds.

Telfairia occidentalis is now flourishing in the Nursery, Flower Garden, and Energy Plant Collection of XTBG. Come and look its special fruits!

Male flower of Telfairia occidentalis. 

Female flower of Telfairia occidentalis. 

Fruits of Telfairia occidentalis.