Zehneria scabra

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Zehneria scabra
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Cucurbitales
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Zehneria
Species:
Z. scabra
Binomial name
Zehneria scabra
(Linn.f.) Sond

Zehneria scabra is a

perennial climbing or trailing herb that belong to the family Cucurbitaceae.[1]

Morphology

Closeup of flowers.

The herb can climb up to 10 m (33 ft) long. The older parts of the stems are woody with corky-ridged bark.[2] Its leaves are triangular to ovate in shape, cordate at the base, deep green, and scabrid punctate above. The fruit is oval shaped and bright red.[3]

Distribution

The plant is widely distributed in

Tropical Africa, and present in Madagascar, India, and in Java
, Indonesia.

Uses

In Ethiopia, the herb is known locally as 'hareg ressa' where its fruits and leaves are crushed and oil extracted used to treat scabies. [2] Extracts from the herb are traditionally used to treat diarrhea, alopecia, wound and eczema.[4] Oil extracts are also used to treat skin related infections among the Pare of Tanzania.

References