Solena Amplexicaullis (lam.) Gandhi: an Underutilized Cucurbit in India

Solena amplexicaullis (Lam.) Gandhi, is a multipurpose minor cucurbit with occasional occurrence in biodiversity hotspots of Asian subcontinent and most of the plant parts are used for traditional medicine. Farmers are involved in cultivation and conservation of this species based on ethno botanical and traditional knowledge, completely unaware of its nutritional attributes and economic potential. Its botany, biochemical and nutritional traits alongwith adapted agronomical practices, propagation and future prospects are discussed here. This preliminary study will be useful for identification, distribution and standardization of sustainable management practices for its commercial cultivation as a vegetable in the human diet.