Benincasa hispida

Benincasa hispida, commonly known as wax gourd or ash gourd, is a fast-growing vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. This popular vegetable is widely cultivated in many Asian countries for its edible fruit. The wax gourd fruit features a smooth, waxy surface, can grow up to 1 meter in length, and weigh up to 15 kilograms. The plant has large, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Its flowers, which are either yellow or white, contain both male and female organs. The fruit is harvested upon reaching maturity, typically around 100-120 days after planting. Wax gourds are rich in nutrients, including vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as calcium, iron, and potassium. They offer numerous health benefits: their high fiber content aids digestion, their anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation, and their high vitamin C content improves skin health. Additionally, their low glycemic index helps regulate blood sugar levels, and their low-calorie count promotes weight loss. In addition to their culinary uses as a vegetable or soup and stew ingredient across various Asian countries—including India (where it’s known as petha), China (where it’s called donggua), and Thailand (where it’s called fak khao)—Benincasa hispida also possesses medicinal properties. Traditionally, it has been used to treat conditions such as coughs, fever, and constipation. Overall, Benincasa hispida is a significant crop with both nutritional value and medicinal benefits.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Grass

Life Cycle

Annual

Genus

Benincasa

Family

Cucurbitaceae

Hardiness Zone

10

Mature Height

6.1 m

Mature Spread

3.05 m to 3.96 m

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Leaf Type

Deciduous

Flower Color

Yellow

Flower Size

5.08 cm to 15.24 cm

Bloom Time

Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Planting Time

Spring

Harvest Time

Late summer, Fall, Early winter

Tags (5)

Common Names (14)