N. 0. CUCURBITACEiE. . 593 



In the Concan, the juice of the root is a domestic remedy 

 for the inflamation caused by contact with the urine of the 

 house-lizard (Pal) (Dymock). 



The powder or infusion of the dried fruits, when introduced 

 into the nostrils, produces a powerful errhine effect and provokes 

 a copious discharge from the schneiderian mucous membrane 

 (Agra Exhibition). 



The tuberous root of the female plant is used in Belgaum 

 as an expectorant, and externally in ague cases as an absorbent. 

 The root of the male creeper is used in ulcers, especially those 

 caused by snake-bites. The unripe fruit is used as a vegetable 

 and given as a delicacy to patients recovering from fever. (Dr. 

 Peters, in Watt's Dictionary). 



539. M. coehinchinensis, Spreng., h.f.b.i., ii. 618. 



Sanskrit : — Karkataka. 

 Vern. :— Kakrol (H. and B.). 



Habitat : —Bengal to Tenasserim ; Deccan Peninsula ; Canara. 



An annual climber, with simple tendrils, dioecious. Leaves, 

 4-5in. diam. ; cordate, ovate, usually 3-lobed, glabrous or a little 

 pubescent, often punctate beneath, little dentate ; petiole 2-3in., 

 almost invariably glandular at its middle as well as apex. Bract 

 near the top of the male peduncle. Male peduncle 2-6in., bract 

 often pubescent, embracing the expanded flower. Petals l-2in., 

 tinged with yellow, 3 with black spots at the base, 2 with yellow 

 glands ; the two 2-anthered filaments not 2-fid. Female pedun- 

 cles l-2in., bract small, about the middle. Fruit 4-5in., ovate, 

 pointed, muricate, conical points |-in. high, bright red, very 

 fleshy, without ribs. Seeds |- by f and £in. thick, many, hori- 

 zontal, irregular, ovate, compressed, black, corrugated on the 

 margins, sculptured on the faces (C. B. Clarke). 



Uses : — The seeds, after the shells have been removed, are 

 fried and eaten, either alone or with other food (Makhzan). 

 They are considered to be good for cough and pains in the 

 chest. Powdered, they form one of the ingredients of the hot 

 stuff known as jhdl in Bengal, which, mixed with melted 

 butter, is given to women immediately after parturition, and 

 daily for a few days afterwards. Jhal is believed to act as a 



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