A climber; the stem is slender and produces 5–7cm-long tendrils. Leaves are simple, spiral, and stipulate. The stipules are linear–lanceolate, up to 1cm long. The blade is coriaceous, oblong–elliptical, minutely tipped at the apex, and shows about 12 pairs of secondary nerves. The flowers are solitary, 6–7cm in diameter; sepals and petals are white or purplish. The Fruits are cucumber-like yellow berries, ovate to
globose, 3.5cm – 4.5cm × 2cm – 2.6cm, and edible.
Herb Effects
Sedative, hypnotic (seeds); vermifuge (roots and leaf decoction); bitter, anthelmintic and moderately astringent (leaves).