Colocynth

Overview

Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis) is a plant species native to North Africa and Southwest Asia. It is a herbaceous annual that grows to 1 to 1.5 m in height and produces an oval to round, yellow fruit. The fruit is covered in a bitter, thick rind that is often used medicinally. The edible seeds inside the fruit are small, light-colored, and have a mild flavor. Colocynth is an important medicinal plant with a range of traditional uses, including as a laxative and to reduce inflammation. More recently, its extracts have become popular in herbal medicines and dietary supplements. It is also used in food preparation and as a decorative groundcover.

Care Guide