Origin, distribution, taxonomy, botanical description, cytogenetics, genetic diversity and breeding of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)
Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.; 2n= 2x=22.) belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae, the genus Momordica and the species Momordica charantia. It is known as bitter melon, bitter cucumber, bitter squash, balsam pear, karela, cassilla and maiden apple. It is also vernacularly designated as bitter melon, bitter squash, balsam pear, karela, bitter apple, or wild cucumber in different countries and regions The English name is Bitter Gourd, Hindi name is Karela, Sanskrit name is Karvellak, karvelli, Katphala, and Gujrati name is Karelo, Kadhwa. M.