Masakinokazra-Masaki Vine

This perennial species of snake gourd is known as a medicinal plant in China and elsewhere. The root is used in Chinese medicine and is considered quite valuable. The fruits can be eaten to a certain extent. The deep orange pulp around the seeds is very sweet. The plants are either male or female which is a 50-50 mix grown from seed.  Gua lou produces a beautiful evening and night flower that can be seen in the morning if it doesn't get too hot early on. It is occasionally used in the United States as an ornamental vine. The unique aspect about our seed strain is that it is perennial and the root mass increases yearly. We initially produced this plant from a variety of seed sources and one of them was the cultivated version of the wild plant with larger fruit and more pulp. It is a beautiful ornamental vine and the growth rate is phenomenal. 

This vine produces a solid large non-edible tuberous root system. The root is a long non stolon forming root that looks like a large sunchoke. The vine can spread by touching down on the soil and self root. For this reason and having the best yields, it is way better to trellis this vine to get the maximum benefits. A 7 ft. or taller trellis is ideal. We have had them grow up trees and fruit which is kind of cool to harvest using pole pruners. The question becomes what to do with the fruit. It's overly sweet with no strong flavor and like the pawpaw has a certain custardy effect with a melon like flavor. The flower is spectacular and I kind of wonder what insect or animal pollinates it at night. 

This vine could be used as a medicinal plant and has possibilities even within herbal remedies. The issue becomes scientific documentation and effectiveness as well as usage. To me the fruit offers a chance to use the plant in a way that is safer and could be commercially produced like it is already in Japan and China. More research needs to be uncovered on the health benefits of the fruit in particular. Not much is know about the composition of the fruit. A lot has been written on the roots compounds but the roots are not considered edible and could be damaging if consumed in certain amounts. 

To germinate the seeds: Plant 1/2 inch deep. Seeds can be filed prior to planting or soaking in water for 24 hours. The seeds have a hard seed coat and may take quite a while to germinate so we recommend sprouting them inside and then planting to get the maximum germination. Seeds are a means to develop more productive female plants. The use of the plants fruit has possibilities with its mild almost melon like flavor.