Their fruits often overshadow the Snake Gourd flower, but these blooms have a unique design, jam-packed with benefits and symbolic meanings.
These flowers are 2-3 inches in diameter, but the size can vary according to your plant varieties.
Go through this complete article to learn the unique facts about Snake Gourd flowers and their potential benefits.
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Snake Gourd Flowers: Meaning And Symbolism
Snake Gourd Flowers have different cultural meanings that vary in countries like India, China, Japan, etc.
The white, delicate petals symbolize purity and innocence, and the hairs around them represent protection.
Moreover, the long, winding shape specifies fertility and abundance, and the clustered appearance indicates unity.
Furthermore, it is also a sign of mystery and transformation as it blooms at night. Also, the flower expresses romance due to its sweet fragrance.
Additionally, in most cultures, people gift this flower to newlyweds and one who buys new things, as it signifies a new beginning.
Overview of Snake Gourd Flowers
Snake Gourd is a tropical plant that bears white-colored, delicate flowers bearing five petals and lacy hairs around them.
This incredible beauty remains closed during the daytime when the hairs around it curl up and close the flower.
But when it opens at night, these hairs bear a beautiful lace-like appearance giving the flower an amazing display.
Additionally, the flowers have both male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers appear in clumps, whereas female flowers are long and appear singly.
Indicator | Identity |
---|---|
Structure | Star-shaped |
Size | 2-3 inches diameter |
Color | White |
Fragrance | Strong Fragrance |
Toxicity | Most varieties are non-toxic but con may contain toxic compound Cucurbitacins |
Lifespan | 1-2 days |
Fruits | Long and slender like a snake |
Blooming Season | Summer to Autumn |
Pollinator | Moth, Hand pollination |
Snake Gourd Flowers Pollination
For pollination, pollens from the male flower must land into the stigma of the female flower from any medium.
Moths are the only pollination medium in the Snake Gourd flower that can transfer the pollens from anther to stigma.
These moths attract to the flower due to the strong fragrance and appealing look when it blooms at night.
Thus, if you lack moths in your garden, there are no other options rather than pollination by hand.
How Often Does Snake Gourd Flowers Bloom?
Snake Gourd flowers commence anthesis during the dusk, but the blooms of this plant last only for the night.
Basically, the plant blooms several times from summer to Autumn, but the flowering occurs with new blossoms every time.
Moreover, the blooming doesn’t depend only upon the season, as the plant’s optimal condition plays a vital role.
Moreover, you must fulfill their weekly watering demands and provide balanced fertilizer or homemade compost during the growing season.
Also, an organic bloom booster will be very helpful if the plant lacks blooms, even during the flowering season.
Benefits of Snake Gourd Flowers
As Snake Gourd bears eye-catching blooms, there is no doubt it will benefit you by renovating your garden’s aesthetics.
Besides this, here are some potential health benefits you can get using this pretty flower daily.
- The flower bears antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits in fighting against harmful diseases.
- Also, bearing a high source of fiber, consuming this flower will benefit your digestive health.
- Moreover, this flower can control blood sugar levels and improve heart and liver health.
- Due to low calories and fats, it benefits people who are conscious about their weight.
- This flower contains vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like potassium, magnesium, etc.
- The flower’s mild flavor and versatile nature make it fit in any vegetable in the kitchen.
Before using this flower for medicinal benefits, make sure you consult with your doctor. Also, never consume the flower if you are allergic to it.
From Editorial Team
Pruning Snake Gourd
Never prune your Snake Gourd plant when it is budding, as it can encourage lush foliage instead of flowering.
However, pruning the lateral branches without flowers will divert the energy into flowering buds producing more flowers.