Momordica charanita
Balsam pear or balsam apple (Momordica charanita) is a musky vine with yellow flowers covered with large orange fruit. This weed can quickly overwhelm fences or groups of shrubs, and removal before flowering is optimal. This species is considered invasive in Florida.
- Scientific Name: Momordica charanita
- Common Name: Balsam pear or balsam apple
- Seasonality: Warm
- Soil Type: Dry
- Toxicity: Toxic seeds
- Plant habit: Annual
- UF/IFAS Center for Invasive and Aquatic Plants
- UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas
