Lagenaria sphaerica

Cultivation Details

In southern Africa this species grows at elevations from around sea level to 915 metres. It is found in both dry and wet areas, with a mean annual rainfall within the range 200 - 1,200mm^[2]. Succeeds in full sun and in partial shade^[2]. The plant is usually found in well-drained loam, sandy loam and stony, sandy soils in the wild^[2]. Hybrids between Lagenaria sphaerica and Lagenaria siceraria (the bottle gourd) are found in cultivation in eastern Africa. However, the hybrid is sterile: female flowers abort and male flowers have poor pollen viability. The possibility of transfer of desirable traits to Lagenaria siceraria still requires investigation^[1]. The plant can flower all year round^[2]. The fragrant flowers open around 7:00 a.m., and close in the afternoon^[1]. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required^[1].