2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Trichosanthes (lat. Trichosanthes) - a genus of herbaceous climbing plants of the Pumpkin family. Another name is snake gourd. In nature, the plant is found in subtropical and tropical climates. In some regions, the trichozant is considered a vegetable, in others, for example, in Southeast and South Asia, a fruit.
Characteristics of culture
Trichozant is an annual herbaceous vine cultivated for long edible fruits mainly in subtropical and tropical regions. In Russia, the culture is grown in greenhouses or indoors. The stems of the trichozant are thin, curly, up to 4 m long. The leaves are wide, lobed. Flowers are unisexual, fragrant, in the form of snowflakes, female - single, male - collected in rare racemose inflorescences. Fruits are long, cylindrical, less often short, narrow-cylindrical. The fruits have a thin skin and tender pulp. Fruit color is greenish-white or green with light stripes. When ripe, the fruits turn red or bright orange.
The subtleties of growing
In the conditions of central Russia, the trichozant should be grown in a greenhouse with the installation of supports along which the plants will curl. In case of hot summers with warm nights, cultivation in the open field is possible. The best predecessors are legumes, tomatoes, potatoes, early cabbage and green manures. It is not recommended to plant a trichozant after representatives of the Pumpkin family. The culture prefers aerated, fertile, light and loose soils. Light loamy or sandy loamy soils with a pH of at least 6. The trichozant does not accept waterlogged soils. The plant is demanding on humidity and air temperature. The trichozant does not tolerate frost, even at 0C it dies. At a temperature of 10-15C, it slows down growth, at a temperature below 10C, it stops growth altogether.
Trichozant is grown through seedlings. Seeds are soaked in water before sowing. You can try germinating the seeds in wet sawdust. Seed containers are placed in close proximity to central heating radiators. The room temperature should be around 25-30C. If all of the above conditions are met, the seeds hatch after 4-5 days. Sprouted seeds are sown in the tenths of April. The planting depth is 1, 5-2 cm. The seedlings are systematically watered, fed and provided with good illumination. With the appearance of the fifth leaf on the seedlings, their tops are pinched. This is necessary so that female flowers form on the lateral shoots. Young plants are transplanted into open ground or a greenhouse at the age of 45-50 days. The soil for the culture is prepared in advance, it is carefully dug up, compost or rotted manure is added, as well as potash, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers.
Care
Care is standard, as for all members of the Pumpkin family. Moderate watering, weeding, top dressing, mulching. During the season, it is necessary to carry out 4-6 additional fertilizing with organic and mineral fertilizers in turn. Subject to the conditions of cultivation and care, plants are not affected by pests and diseases.
Application and benefits
Trichozant is used in cooking and folk medicine, often as an ornamental culture. Not only fruits are edible in plants, but also stems, leaves, tendrils and roots. In China, some species are used for the preparation of herbal medicines. Trichozant fruits are distinguished by increased decorative properties. Young fruits are mainly used in cooking. Green leaves are used to prepare teas with a light piquant bitterness. On the site, the trichozant looks very impressive, especially in the evening at the time. It literally fills the entire garden with an exquisite jasmine scent.
Trichozant fruits contain a large amount of vitamins and other nutrients, such as thiamine, riboflavin and carotene. Therefore, regular use of trichozant supports and protects the immune system from negative environmental influences. The plant is useful for diseases of the cardiovascular system, atherosclerosis and paralysis. Trichozant can be classified as a powerful antioxidant. Culture is also essential for those suffering from thyroid diseases. The root of the plant is used as a powder for eczema and wounds of various kinds. Trichozant seeds are used as a diuretic, antipyretic, astringent and antiseptic.
