citrullus colocynthis

desert gourd

desert gourd

A vine plant, mainly found in the deserts of Asia, Mediterranean, Egypt, Israel and Africa. Stem is source of water. Flowers and seeds edible, not the fruit. Bedouins use ground seeds to make bread. Citrussized fruit that looks like a small orange watermelon, which is an extremely strong laxative and liver purger. May cause violent pain and dangerous inflammation. Purging action of fruit is so strong, some women use it to abort pregnancy. Be VERY careful and know what you are doing with this plant.