Family: Cucurbitaceae
Origin, Description & Uses:
Momordica cochinchinensis (commonly known as gac, giant spine gourd, or spiny bitter-cucumber) is a fast-growing perennial vine native to Tropical and Subtropical Asia, extending to northern Queensland, Australia. It produces distinctive spiny fruits that split open when ripe to reveal bright orange-red arils surrounding large seeds. The plant climbs using tendrils and thrives in warm, humid climates. In its native range, gac is valued both as a food and medicinal plant. The nutrient-rich arils are especially high in beta-carotene and lycopene and are used in traditional dishes, juices, and natural food colorings. The seeds are also used in traditional medicine and may be pressed for oil.
Risks & Threats:
Although Momordica cochinchinensis is not known to be naturalized in Hawaii, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. As a vigorous climbing vine with rapid growth and the ability to produce abundant, animal-dispersed fruits, it has the potential to spread beyond intended cultivation in suitable tropical environments. In island ecosystems, similar vining species can smother native vegetation, alter habitat structure, and compete for light and resources. Because of these characteristics, ongoing evaluation is needed to determine whether it could negatively impact Hawaii’s ecosystems. Caution is recommended to ensure that this species does not become invasive or disrupt native plant communities.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Possibly naturalized, but distinction between native and cultivated range is unclear
- Other Momordica species are invasive
- Spiny fruit
- Seeds are reported to be toxic
- Climbing and -potentially smothering habit
- Reproduces by seeds and resprouts from tuberous roots
- Reaches maturity in approximately 2 months
- Seeds dispersed by birds and intentionally by people
- Potentially prolific seed production
- Seeds possess dormancy and could possibly form a seed bank
- Limited ecological information may limit accuracy of risk prediction
Low Risk Traits:
- No confirmed reports of invasiveness, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
- Edible fruit and leaves
- Dioecious (requiring both male and female plants for seed set)
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
