Momordica balsamina: Difference between revisions
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While the leaves are safe to eat, the seeds can be toxic if too many are ingested. Although they{{Who|date=April 2011}} do sell Balsam supplements, like all things moderation is key{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}}. |
While the leaves are safe to eat, the seeds can be toxic if too many are ingested. Although they{{Who|date=April 2011}} do sell Balsam supplements, like all things moderation is key{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}}. |
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In Mozambique, this plant is known as cacana and in rural areas it is used as an anti-malarial. People usually drink water from its boiled leaves and young fruit to treat malaria.{{ |
In Mozambique, this plant is known as cacana and in rural areas it is used as an anti-malarial. People usually drink water from its boiled leaves and young fruit to treat malaria.{{Citation needed|date=July 2011}} |
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==Confusion with related species== |
==Confusion with related species== |
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There seems to be confusion, even in "official sources" between ''M. balsamina'' L. ("Balsam Apple") and its cousin, ''[[Momordica charantia|M. charantia]]'' L. ("Balsam Pear/Bitter Melon/Chinese Cucumber")<sup>1</sup>, as evidenced by this reference (http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/balsam+apple)<sup>2</sup> in which ''M. charantia'' is depicted in the picture, but referenced by the common name of ''M. balsamina'' (Balsam Apple). The two plants are cousins of the Family "Cucurbitaceae," of which cucumbers are also members.<sup>6,1,5,3</sup> |
There seems to be confusion, even in "official sources" between ''M. balsamina'' L. ("Balsam Apple") and its cousin, ''[[Momordica charantia|M. charantia]]'' L. ("Balsam Pear/Bitter Melon/Chinese Cucumber")<sup>1</sup>, as evidenced by this reference (http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/balsam+apple)<sup>2</sup> in which ''M. charantia'' is depicted in the picture, but referenced by the common name of ''M. balsamina'' (Balsam Apple). The two plants are cousins of the Family "Cucurbitaceae," of which cucumbers are also members.<sup>6,1,5,3</sup> |
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Within this article, above, the reference to the Philippine specialty (Ampalaya) is NOT ''M. balsamina'' but "Bitter Melon" or "Balsam Pear" or ''M. charantia'' <sup>1</sup> Even a UFL EDIS page (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fw028)<sup>3</sup> [incorrectly] references the "Balsam Apple" as ''M. charantia'' and not as Balsamina L. The two fruits look quite different from one another, and more importantly, the Balsam Apple has poisonous properties. ''M. balsamina'' is usually small, about the size and shape of a Pecan with hull, yellow/orange/red in color as it ripens, where as ''M. charantia'' is long, curvy, ridged and green, with the appearance of a warty, curly cucumber. Common sense will guide you in identification: ''M. balsamina'' = Balsam Apple = Usually "Round-fruited" (vs. long) = poison properties (like the poison apple of Eden); ''M. charantia'' = cucumber-like (long, green).{{ |
Within this article, above, the reference to the Philippine specialty (Ampalaya) is NOT ''M. balsamina'' but "Bitter Melon" or "Balsam Pear" or ''M. charantia'' <sup>1</sup> Even a UFL EDIS page (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fw028)<sup>3</sup> [incorrectly] references the "Balsam Apple" as ''M. charantia'' and not as Balsamina L. The two fruits look quite different from one another, and more importantly, the Balsam Apple has poisonous properties. ''M. balsamina'' is usually small, about the size and shape of a Pecan with hull, yellow/orange/red in color as it ripens, where as ''M. charantia'' is long, curvy, ridged and green, with the appearance of a warty, curly cucumber. Common sense will guide you in identification: ''M. balsamina'' = Balsam Apple = Usually "Round-fruited" (vs. long) = poison properties (like the poison apple of Eden); ''M. charantia'' = cucumber-like (long, green).{{Citation needed|date=July 2011}} One should be careful if considering the edibleness of any parts of ''M. balsamina'' <sup>4,5</sup>, especially as there is much "copied" disinformation found on the web. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 13:59, 12 July 2011
| Balsam apple | |
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| Scientific classification | |
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| Species: | M. balsamina
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| Binomial name | |
| Momordica balsamina | |
Momordica balsamina also known as the Balsam Apple, Cundeamor, or Southern Balsampear or simply Balsam Pear, is a curious, tendril-bearing annual vine native to the tropical regions of Africa, introduced and invasive in Asia, Australia, and Central America. Although the pale yellow, deeply veined flowers of the Balsam Apple have a subtle beauty, its round, somewhat warty, bright orange fruits, or "Apples", are its most distinguishing feature. When ripe, the fruits burst apart, revealing numerous seeds covered with a brilliant scarlet, extremely sticky coating. The Balsam Apple was introduced into Europe by 1568 and was used medicinally to treat wounds. In 1810 Thomas Jefferson planted this vine in his flower borders at Monticello along with larkspur, poppies, and nutmeg Plant.
While the leaves are safe to eat, the seeds can be toxic if too many are ingested. Although they[who?] do sell Balsam supplements, like all things moderation is key[citation needed].
In Mozambique, this plant is known as cacana and in rural areas it is used as an anti-malarial. People usually drink water from its boiled leaves and young fruit to treat malaria.[citation needed]
There seems to be confusion, even in "official sources" between M. balsamina L. ("Balsam Apple") and its cousin, M. charantia L. ("Balsam Pear/Bitter Melon/Chinese Cucumber")1, as evidenced by this reference (http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/balsam+apple)2 in which M. charantia is depicted in the picture, but referenced by the common name of M. balsamina (Balsam Apple). The two plants are cousins of the Family "Cucurbitaceae," of which cucumbers are also members.6,1,5,3
Within this article, above, the reference to the Philippine specialty (Ampalaya) is NOT M. balsamina but "Bitter Melon" or "Balsam Pear" or M. charantia 1 Even a UFL EDIS page (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fw028)3 [incorrectly] references the "Balsam Apple" as M. charantia and not as Balsamina L. The two fruits look quite different from one another, and more importantly, the Balsam Apple has poisonous properties. M. balsamina is usually small, about the size and shape of a Pecan with hull, yellow/orange/red in color as it ripens, where as M. charantia is long, curvy, ridged and green, with the appearance of a warty, curly cucumber. Common sense will guide you in identification: M. balsamina = Balsam Apple = Usually "Round-fruited" (vs. long) = poison properties (like the poison apple of Eden); M. charantia = cucumber-like (long, green).[citation needed] One should be careful if considering the edibleness of any parts of M. balsamina 4,5, especially as there is much "copied" disinformation found on the web.
References
1http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/Crops/BalsamPearApple.html
2http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/balsam+apple
3http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fw028
4http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/b/balsam_apple_poisoning/intro.htm
5http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/leisure/coopext/articles.asp?articleID=565
6http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=1746
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2010) |