Parwal / Pointed Gourd

English Name: Pointed Gourd

Common Indian Name (Hindi): Parwal

• Trichosanthes dioica is also known as the Pointed gourd, parwal (Hindi), or potol (from Assamese, Oriya or Bengali).
• It is widely cultivated in the eastern part of India, particularly in Orissa, Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
• It is a dioecious (male and female plants) vine (creeper) plant. The plant remains dormant during the winter season and prefers a fertile, well-drained sandy loam soil due to its susceptibility to water-logging.
• The fruits are green with white or no stripes. Size can vary from small and round to thick and long — 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm)
• It is a good source of carbohydrate, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It also contains major nutrients and trace elements (magnesium, potassium, copper, sulfur, and chlorine) which are needed in small quantities, for playing essential roles in human physiology.