A Delicate Bloom with a Powerful Purpose
The bitter melon plant (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter gourd or karela, is widely recognized for its bumpy green fruit and its role in traditional medicine and cuisine across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. But before the fruit forms, the plant produces delicate, bright yellow flowers that are not only charming to look at but also play an important role in the plant’s lifecycle and the surrounding ecosystem.
The bitter melon flower is typically a small, five-petaled bloom, often less than an inch in diameter. Its vibrant yellow color stands out against the rich green foliage, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Bitter melon is a monoecious plant, meaning it bears both male and female flowers separately on the same plant. Male flowers tend to appear first and in greater numbers, while female flowers are fewer but essential for fruit development.
Each flower blooms for just a single day, opening in the morning and wilting by evening, yet during that short time, it plays a vital role in ensuring pollination and fruit set. If successfully pollinated, the female flower will begin transforming into the spiky, elongated fruit known for its bitter taste and rich nutritional profile.
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| Device | Redmi 13 Pro |
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| Edit | Pixlab |
| Captured by | @handsomecho |
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