Occurrence, Distribution and Ex Situ Regeneration of Balsam Apple (Momordica balsamina L.) in India

Abstract

Momordica balsamina L. has a narrow distribution in India, confined to Rajasthan and Gujarat. Ex situ regeneration
studies showed that it can be regenerated during October-April in Kerala, simulating the hot days and cool nights
that occur in its home range. Even though pollination and seed dispersal by native fauna was observed, it could
not naturalize in Western Ghats due to non-adaptability to the high rainfall monsoon period. Few reports of its
occurrence and distribution in Kerala are obviously based on misidentification of a herbarium specimen as South
India is far beyond its natural range.