ABSTRACT
Spine gourd is essentially a native of tropical regions in Asia with extensive distribution in China, Japan, South East Asia and Polynesia, as well as in tropical Africa and South America. Studies show that this plant is used in the prevention and cure of numerous ailments and in human food. Both male and female spine gourd has sex specific medicinal properties. Spine gourd is essentially a warm season crop grown successfully in the plains and hills of tropical and subtropical regions. It requires warm and humid climate for its best growth. Spine gourd can be grown on a wide range of soils except light soils. Spine gourd is propagated vegetatively through tuberous roots or their cuttings, which are under cultivation in very few regions of India and Bangladesh. The average yield of spine gourd is 80–100 fruits per plant, depending upon soil and natural environmental factors and cultural practices adopted by the growers.
