A Comprehensive Study on Morphology and Diversity of Cucurbitaceae

Family in and around Darjeeling Hills

SUBMITTED BY

PRATHNA RAI

ROLL NO:230103310030

REGN NO:0101805030461

[Link] BOTANY (4th Semester)

TAXONOMY OF ANGIOSPERMS AND ECOLOGYPOST GRADUATE

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANYDARJEELING GOVERNMENT COLLEGE

DARJEELING, 2024

DISSERTATION SUBMITTED FOR THE PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BOTANY UNDER UNIVERSITY OF NORTH
BENGAL
 DECLARATION

I declare that the dissertation entitled “A Comprehensive Study on Morphology and Diversity of

Cucurbitaceae family in and around Darjeeling Hills”has been prepared by me under the

guidance of Shri Chandan Naskar Sir, Taxonomy of angiosperms and ecology special, Post

Graduate Department of Botany, Darjeeling Government College, under University of North

Bengal. No part of this dissertation has formed the basis for the award of any degree or

fellowship previously.

Prathna Rai
Taxonomy and Ecology
Post Graduate Department of Botany
Darjeeling Government College
Darjeeling
 DARJEELING GOVERNMENT COLLEGE
NAAC ACCREDITED
Mr. Chandan Naskar
Assistant Professor, Post Graduate Dept. of Botany
19-Lebong Cart Road, P.O. Darjeeling,
Dist. Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, Pin-734101

[Link] Email: chandannaskar@[Link] Mob: +91 9123035932

Date………………

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

This is to certify that Ms. Prathna Rai student of Master of Science (Botany), 4TH Semester (Roll

No 230103310030 & Registration No 0101805030461) Taxonomy of Angiosperms and Ecology

Laboratory, Post Graduate Department of Botany, Darjeeling Government College has prepared

her dissertation work entitled “A Comprehensive Study on Morphology and Diversity of

Cucurbitaceae Family in and around Darjeeling Hills” under my supervision for partial

fulfilment of the degree of Master of Science in Botany of the University of North Bengal.

Date:
Place: P. G. Department of Botany
Darjeeling Government College
Darjeeling-734101 [Mr. Chandan Naskar]
Supervisor
 Content

Serial No. Topic Page No.

1. Introduction 6

2. Literature Review 7-9

3. Study Sites 10

4. Materials and Methods 10-11

5. Aims and Objectives 11-12

6. Results 12-13

7. Systematic Treatment 14

8. Conclusion 40

9. Acknowledgement 40

10. Reference 41-42

 ABSTRACT

The Cucurbitaceae family, or gourd and squash family, consists of over 800 species, including

pumpkins, cucumbers, squashes, and melons.. Economically, they provide important nutrients

through their fruits and seeds, and are essential in global cuisines. Momordica

charantiaVell.(bitter melon), grown in India, China, and Africa, is valued for its medicinal

benefits, including treating diabetes, jaundice, and infections Research is exploring its

therapeutic potential, agricultural improvements, and nutritional value, with promising early

results. Cucurbita pepoL, a climbing plant with variable fruits, is cultivated for its nutritional and

medicinal benefits. Research focuses on improving cultivation practices, such as planting

density, irrigation, and fertilization, to increase yield and [Link] edule (chayote), a

widely consumed tropical vegetable. Research focuses on improving cultivation methods,

environmental conditions, and irrigation techniques to enhance yield and quality.. Lagenaria

siceraria Standl (bottle gourd) is a versatile vegetable grown for its fruit and aerial parts, used as

food and medicineResearch focuses on improving agronomic practices, including soil

management, irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, to enhance yield and fruit qualityCucumis

sativusL(cucumber) requires optimal temperature, humidity, and soil fertility for growth.

Research focuses on improving agronomic practices for higher yield, fruit quality, and

sustainability. Trichosanthes wallichiana (Wallich's Snake Gourd) is a perennial vine from

Southeast Asia, valued for its unique fruits and uses in food and medicine The plant's genetic

diversity, breeding potential, and medicinal benefits make it a promising candidate for

sustainable cultivation and traditional medicine. Luffa cylindricaL(sponge gourd) is a climbing

plant grown for its fibrous, cylindrical fruits, thriving in warm, frost-free climates Research

focuses on optimizing cultivation practices, exploring its medicinal and nutritional benefits, and

improving pest management .

 INTRODUCTION

The Cucurbitaceae family, also known as the gourd or 90 family, is a diverse group of plants that

includes over 800 species. This family is well known for its edible members such as pumpkins,

cucumbers, squashes, and melons, which are enjoyed around the world for their flavors and

nutritional value. These plants mainly come from tropical and subtropical regions but have

adapted to various climates globally. This family is well known for its comestible members

similar as pumpkins, cucumbers, squashes, and melons, which are enjoyed around theworld fo0r

their flavors and nutritive value.

Plants in the Cucurbitaceae family are mostly herbaceous vines or creepers, though some can be

more compact. They are often recognized by their sprawling growth, with tendrils that help them

climb and spread. The leaves are usually large, broad, and often lobed. The family is known for

its distinctive flowers, which are usually unisexual meaning that male and female flowers can be

on the same plant or on separate plants, depending on the species. The fruit produced by these

plants is called a pepo, a type of berry with a thick rind and fleshy interior. Inside, the fruit has

seeds that are often consumed or used for planting.. The family is known for its distinctive

flowers, which are generally androgynous meaning that manly and womanish flowers can be on

the same factory or on separate shops, depending on the species. The fruit produced by these

shops is called a pepo, a type of berry with a thick rind and fleshy innards. Culturally, cucurbits

have a special place in various traditions. For example, pumpkins are central to Halloween

celebrations in many Western countries, where they are carved into jack-o'-lanterns. In different

parts of the world, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, cucurbitaceous vegetables are

key ingredients in traditional dishes, celebrated for their versatility and flavor.
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Renner and Pandey (2013) provide a comprehensive review of Cucurbitaceae in India, detailing

accepted names, synonyms, and geographic distribution. The study also includes information on

images and DNA sequences for the family, offering valuable resources for identification and

further research on Cucurbitaceae species within the Indian subcontinent.

According to Dhimann in 2012 ,The Cucurbitaceae family, with about 130 genera and 800

species, includes plants valued for their medicinal properties. Seeds and fruit parts often contain

cucurbitacins, known for their purgative, emetic, and antihelmintic effects. Cucurbitacins, bitter

and toxic tetracyclic triterpenes, are classified into twelve types. Key studied plants include

Momordica charantia Vell., Cucurbita pepo L, and Cucumis sativus L.

Rahmatullah in 2012 stated that, the Cucurbitaceae family, known for its medicinal properties,

includes 125 genera and 960 species, mostly in tropical regions. This study surveyed 75 folk

practitioners and 8 tribal healers in Bangladesh, identifying 19 Cucurbitaceae species used to

treat various ailments. These species, such as Momordica charantia Vell. and Cucumis melo,

show promising medicinal potential, warranting further scientific research for novel therapeutic

discoveries.

According to Murthy in 2013, in the Eastern Ghats of India, wild Cucurbitaceae species,

important for their economic and medicinal value, are often overlooked in conservation efforts.

This study identified 38 species, noting that 30 are medicinal, 33 are edible, 6 are used as fodder,

and 2 are poisonous. The distribution and phenology of these species were analyzed, providing a

basis for future germplasm collection.

According to Khulakpam in 2015 ,Vegetables have long been valued for their natural healing

properties, with ancient India being particularly advanced in medicinal knowledge. Despite their
historical significance, the medicinal potential of vegetables is often overlooked. Cucurbitaceae

crops, for example, offer various health benefits, such as treating night-blindness and respiratory

issues. Increasingly, vegetables are gaining recognition in developed countries for their health

benefits, indicating a future potential for herbal medicine.

Schultes in 1990 discovered, the Cucurbitaceae family, rich in biodynamic plants, holds

significant potential for medicine and related fields. A preliminary survey of cucurbits in New

World tropical regions highlights their diverse ethnopharmacological uses, though knowledge

remains incomplete. The family’s wide range of food and oil products is well-known, but its

medicinal applications in primitive societies are less recognized and largely unstudied.

Patel in 2017 stated that Pumpkin and watermelon seeds, often discarded, are nutrient-rich,

containing proteins, fatty acids, phenolic acids, and more. Biological assays show their potential

in antioxidative, hypoglycemic, anticancer, and other health-promoting properties. They lack

major anti-nutrients and contain phytoestrogens like β-sitosterol, which may benefit

gynecological and prostate health. Despite some risks like bezoars and allergies, these seeds are

underutilized and hold promise for nutraceuticals.

Abdelkhalek in 2017 discovered that,Cucurbitacin E glucoside, a tetracyclic triterpenoid

glucoside from Cucurbitaceae plants, and its microbial transformation derivatives were studied.

Compounds 2 and 3, produced by Curvularia lunata, exhibited anti-inflammatory and antipyretic

effects superior to indomethacin and acetaminophen. They also lowered serum glucose,

cholesterol, and triacylglycerol levels. Compound 3 was notably selective against colon

carcinoma cell lines.

.
According to Wang in 2018, this study compared the genomes of cucumber, watermelon, and

melon, revealing a previously unnoticed cucurbit-common tetraploidization (CCT) shortly after a

core-eudicot hexaploidy. Gene loss and retention were uneven among subgenomes and species.

The CCT, likely around 90–102 million years old, played a crucial role in Cucurbitaceae

evolution, highlighting its importance in the plant

A.U in 2000 discovered that , The study evaluated several plant ribosome-inactivating proteins

(RIPs) for their effects on HIV-1 replication. At 100 nM, all RIPs enhanced CD4/gp120

interaction by ~50% but had minimal impact on HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and protease.

However, most RIPs, Saporin and luffin showed over 90% inhibition, indicating RIPs' anti-HIV

activity is likely due to integrase inhibition.

Deshpande in 2008 stated ,The ethanolic extract of Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd) fruit, used

in Ayurveda as a cardiotonic and tonic, was evaluated for its effects on disorders involving free

radicals. These findings suggest that the fruit’s radical scavenging capacity contributes to its

diverse biological effects.

According to Ng in 1992,Two immunologically distinct glycoproteins, with a molecular weight

of 28,000 and 28,500 respectively, were isolated from seeds of Luffa cylindrica using a

procedure that involved acetone precipitation, gel filtration on Sephadex G-75 and ion exchange

chromatography on CM-Sepharose CL-6B. The proteins differed in the content of aspartic acid,

threonine, proline and alanine but were otherwise similar in amino acid composition.
BODY

The plants of Cucurbitaceae family seen in and around Darjeeling Himalayas are as follows:

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME

1) Momordica charianta Vell. Bitter Gourd (Teeta Karela )

2) Cucurbita pepo L. Pumpkin ( Pharsi )

2) Sechium edule Jacq. Squash or Chayote ( Iskus )

4) Lagenaria siceria standl. Bottle Gourd ( Lauka )

5) Cucumis sativus L. Cucumber ( Kakda )

6) Luffa cylindrical L. Sponge Gourd ( Ghiraula )

7) Trichosanthes wallichiana Ser. Indreni

STUDY AREA

Darjeeling, situated in the Eastern Himalayan region of India, is renowned for its stunning

natural beauty and rich biodiversity. This captivating area is famous for its lush, undulating hills

and diverse flora and fauna. The Darjeeling Hills, part of the Singalila Range, span elevations

from about 135 meters (at Sukna) to 3,660 meters (at Phalut ,In Darjeeling District , there are

five protected Areas : Singalila National Park , Senchel Wildlife Sanctuary , Mahananda Wildlife

Sanctuary , Neora Valley National Park , and Jorepokhari Salamander Sanctuary . Together ,

they cover 333.04 square kilometres , which is about 10.23 % of the District’s total area of 3,255

square kilometres , as reported by Das et al . (2004) .

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A preliminary literature survey was carried through Flora Books (Grierson and Long, Flora of

Bhutan 3(1), and many research papers and articles published by various authors.

Site selection & Botanical Survey

This Dissertation work is the result of the study of a detailed morphology of cucurbitaceae

family in Darjeeling .The information Obtained from various Articles and papers , a field Survey

was conducted to Document various Species of Cucurbitaceae Family .The survey was carried

out Extensively throughout the months of June to December in and around Darjeeling Hills such

as Lebong , Bijanbari , Limbu gaon , Back mall road . The survey site was selected on the Basis

of Diversity of Habitat . The photograph of the habitat were taken using mobile phone During

the survey .

Species Identification and Herbarium Preparation

The Specimens of the Plants that Belonged to the Cucurbitaceae family were Brought in the

Laboratory and the Taxonomic workout was performed with the collected . And using the

Resources of Taxonomy , morphological characters and data were listed for the Identification .

Then the collected specimens were identified using the key prepared in Floras of Bhutan

(Grierson and Long , Flora of Bhutan 3(1) ) . The identification of each specimen was confirmed

with the ones that were available online by comparing the two . The specimens were pressed

dried in a standard Herbarium Sheet . The processed Voucher specimens were deposited in the

Herbarium of Department of Botany , Darjeeling Government College .

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this research is to conduct a comprehensive study of Plants that belong

to Cucurbitaceae family in and around Darjeeling hills and further Emphasizing the

Identification , characterisation , and Cataloguing them . The specific aims are :

 To comprehend the Family’s diversity and how it affects the Classification and

identification of plant .

 To Study the Morphological characteristics of Identified Cucurbitaceae species ,

including their leaf morphology , fruit morphology and the structure of flower .

 To catalog and record the different species of the Cucurbitaceae family found in the Darjeeling

Hills and its surrounding areas.

 To compare the findings with existing Data from North east India and our Neighbouring

countries like Bhutan , Nepal and Bangladesh , in order to contribute to a Broader

undersranding and Perspective of the plants .

 List and Explain the main morphological characteristics of Cucurbitaceae plants , such as

their stems , leaves , rhizomes,flowers and inflorescence .

RESULTS

In the Duration of 6 months , we conducted various Botanical Surveys in and around Darjeeling

Hills searching for various Cucurbitaceae species and we were able to collect a total of 7

Cucurbitaceae species in and around Darjeeling Hills . The Cucurbitaceae family, also known as

the gourd or 90 family, is a diverse group of plants that includes over 800 species. This family is

well known for its edible members such as pumpkins, cucumbers, squashes, and melons, which

are enjoyed around the world for their flavors and nutritional value . The majority of
Cucurbitaceae species thrive within a specific altitudinal range , rypically between 1000 to 1500

metres . The results of research on Momordica charantia Ver. underscore its significant potential

as both a medicinal plant and an agricultural crop. Findings highlight its effectiveness in

managing diabetes, providing antimicrobial and anticancer benefits, and its high nutritional

value. The resultsof research on Cucurbita pepo L. highlight the versatilityandpotential of this

crop across various fields. The results of research on Sechium edule [Link] the

versatilityand potential of this crop in multiple fields. The results of research on Lagenaria

siceraria standl. highlight its versatility and potential as a sustainable crop in both agricultural

and commercial sectors. Research on Cucumis sativusL.(cucumber) has led to a wide range of

findings across different domains .Trichosanthes wallichiana Sen., commonly known as snake

gourd, has led to various findings across different domains, including agronomy, pest

management, and postharvest storage. Luffa cylindrical L. has yielded significant findings across

various domains, including agronomy,pest management, phytochemistry,medicinal properties,

and industrial applications .

Momordica charianta Linn.
Figure 1: a)Habit Sketch b)Dorsal Leaf c)Ventral Leaf d)Female flower e)Sepal g)Ovary i)
Calyx j)Stamens k)Stigma l)Anther

IDENTIFICATION

Leaves : Simple , unlobed or pedately lobed

Monoecious or Dioiecious

Flowers : Small or Large , Solitary

Male Flowers : Calyx Tube short , Limb campanulate Lobes : 5; corolla campanulate ;5-lobed
almost to base,stamens 3 ,anthers coherent,conduplicate Female flowers similar to male ; ovary
oblong or ellipsoid ; styles slender , connate , stigmas 3 . Fruit oblong or cylindrical , muricate or
echinate ; seeds oblong compressed .

Flowers of both sexes solitary , on peduncles 3-9(-14) cm , with a rounded bract near base or

sheating flower ; fruit oblong , muricate or Echinate .

Male flowers usually racemose , female flowers often solitary , fruit spherical or ovoid , smooth

[Link] : Khagtang ; Sha : Kaira ; Nep : Karela ; Eng : Bitter Cucumber

Leaves suborbicular in outline , 4-7 cm long and broad in lower half ; calyx lobes ovate , 7 2.5

mm , corolla yellow , lobes oblong , 15 4 mm , Female flowers on peduncles 5-10 cm , Bracteate

near base ; Ovary ovoid , 7mm ,muricate , Fruits ellipsoid , 8-20 cm , tuberculate ; seeds oblomg

, compressed , c 12 6 3 mm , sculptured , embedded in red pulp .

Bhutan : S – Phuntholing and Gaylegphug districts , C-mongar district (Lingmethang);Darjeeling

: Terai , Cimbing on other vegetation , 270-900m. April-August.

Description: The plant Momordica charantiaLinn (family- Cucurbitaceae) is also known as

bitter gourds, karela, bitter melon and balsam pear. These species include M. angustisepala, M.

balsamina (Linn), M. cabrei, M. dioica (Roxb), M. elaterium, M. foetida,M. tuberosa. It is a

tropical vegetables is a common food in India. Stem slender, more or less pubescent, leaves

suborbicular, alternate, the blade with 5-7 deep palmate lobes and quite variable in their size 4 .

Fruits are [Link], ovoid, ellipsoid dehiscent irregularly as a 3 valved fleshy capsule or

indehiscent. Flower monoecious, unisexual, tubular 5 lobed, moderate sized, pale yellow to

orangish in colour. Male flower solitary and female flowers bracteate at the base with a fusiform

and muricate ovary. Fruit Seeds are brownish 13.0-16.0 mm long. The plant is cultivated

throughout India and widely grown as a vegetable crop all over the tropical countries especially

in India, china, Africa and various part of Africa at an altitude of 1500 m . The fruit of the plant
is reported to posses tonic, stomachic, antibilious, stimulant, emetic, laxative, fruit pulp, leaf

juice, and seed are showed anthelmintic activity (in lumbrici). The fruits and leaves are useful in

piles, jaundice, diabetes, leprosy, snake bite and it is found to have vermifuge and antioxidant

property. Fruit is also useful in gout, rheumatism and sub acute cases of spleen and liver.

SYTEMATIC TREATMENT

Botanical Classification

Kingdom Plantae

Division Angiosperms

Class Eudicots

Order Cucurbitales

Family Cucurbitaceae

Genus Momordica

Species Momordica charianta Linn.

2)Cucurbita pepo L.
Figure 2: a) Habit Sketch b)Dorsal Leaf c)Ventral Leaf d)Female Flower e) Androecium
f) Floral Diagram g)Calyx h)Ovary
Description: Cucurbita pepo L. is an annual creeping or climbing plant with 5- angled stems up

to 15 m long. The shallow root system is branched, growing from a well-developed taproot. The

stems are rugged and bristle, branching 6-24 cm long, often rooting at the nodes. The plant bears

tendrils at 90 degrees to the leaf insertion, which are coiled and 1-6- branched. The leaves are

simple, alternate, broadly ovate to deltoid, basally cordate, apically acute, palmately lobed with

5-7 lobes, Pumpkin is monoecious and bears solitary actinomorphic flowers that produce nectar.

Male flowers are long and pedicellate and have a campanulate calyx that is 5 to 10mm Flower

has three stamens. Female flowers have thick peduncles, 3 to 5 cm long, an ovoid to elliptical,

multilocular ovary, sepals that are occasionally foliaceous and a corolla is somewhat larger than

that of the male flowers. They have a thickened style and three lobate stigmas6,7. Fruits are

variable in shape, color, and size. The flesh is also variable in color (white, yellow, orange) and

thickness.

SYSTEMATIC TREATMENT

Botanical Classificaion

Kingdom Plantae

Division Angiosperms

Class Eudicots

Order Cucurbitales

Family Cucurbitaceae

Genus Cucurbita

Species Cucurbita pepo L.

2. Sechium edule Jacq.
Figure 3 : a)Habit Sketch b)Dorsal Leaf c)Ventral Leaf d)Flower e)Androecium f)Calyx
g)Sepal h)Ovary
IDENTIFICATION:

Vigorous perennial; roots large, tuberous.

Leaves simple , shallowly 3-5-lobed ;tendrils 3-5 fid .

Monoecious ; male flowers in Racemes ; calyx cup-shaped with pouched nectaries at Base ,
Teeth subulate ;

corolla 5-partite ; stamens 5,filaments connate ; anthers sigmoid, obscurely paired in 2-2-1
arrangement .

Female flowers similar but smaller than male , solitary in same axil as male;ovary ovoid ,1-
celled with solitary ovule pendulous from apex ;style hort;stigma subglobose.

Fruit large , fleshly , coarsely ridged ; seed ovoid , compressed ,germinating within fruit .

[Link] edule Jacq.

Leaves broadly ovate , shallowly 3-5 lobed , 10-15 10-15cm,acuminate base cordate , margin
subentire , scabrid on upper surface ;petioles 10cm . Male inflorescences 10-30(-50cm),calyx 5-
6mm;corolla yellowish,lobes oblong ,[Link] flowers greenish , subsessile ; ovary
obovoid ; style 2-4mm;stigma subglobose , 4mm broad , Fruit pear shaped , 15 18cm, green or
yellowish .

Bhutan :Cultivated and sold in Thimphu market ; Darjeeling ;Kalimpong .1200m.

Fruits are sold as vegetables ; it is said that every part of plant may be eaten at some tage : roots
,leaves , flowers ,fruits and seeds . Native of Tropical America .

Sechium edule Jacq. which is also known as Chayote or Chowchow is a vegetable crop which

belongs to family Cucurbitaceae. It is a unique food crop bearing a pearshaped fleshy fruit with

single soft seed. It is cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical climates. Chayote is mainly

cultivated as vegetable and its immature fruits, young leaves and shoots, tuberous roots are

consumed. The fruits are viviparous in nature. Chayote is a self-sustained plant resistant to most

diseases and pests mostly caused by fungi, nematodes and insects.

SYSTEMATIC TREATMENT

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom Plantae

Division Angiosperms

Class Eudicots

Order Cucurbitales

Family Cucurbitaceae

Genus Sechium

Species Sechium edule jacq.

4) Lagenaria siceria standl.

Figure 4: a) Habit Sketch b) Dorsal Leaf c)Ventral Leaf d)Calyx e)Androecium
f)Pistil g)Ovary h)Stamen
IDENTIFICATION
Standley ; [Link] Seringe . Sha : Chhong ; Eng : Bottle Gourd , calabash Gourd .

Leaves broadly ovate or sub-orbicular , 10-40 cm long and broad , acute or shortly acuminate ,
base cordate , shallowly 3-5 lobed , sparsely pubescent especially beneath ;

petioles 5-10 (-30)cm with 2 small rounded glands at apex .

Male flowers : on peduncles as long as petioles ; calyx tube 1.5 cm , teeth lanceolate , 5mm
petals obovate , 3-4 cm ;

Anthers :7-8mm

Female flowers : on shorter peduncles than male

Ovary c 2cm ; villose ; styles and stigmas 8mm

Fruits : Globose , 15 cm diameter , or cylindrical up to 1.8 m;

Seeds : obovoid , 16-20 mm, with minutely pubescent sculptured lines

Fruits of wild forms have hard,woody outer layers impervious to water , the pulp is bitter and

unpalatable ; shells have been used for carrying water for fishing . Cultivation has resulted in

fruits without woody outer layers and with soft , sweetish flesh ; Among all plants of the

cucurbitaceae family, Lagenaria species is the most popular. The bottle gourd can be found in the

forests of India, Moluccas and Ethiopia. The centre of origin has been located as the coastal areas

of Malabar (North Kerala) and the humid forests of Dehradun (North India). Lagenaria siceraria

standl.(Molina) standley commonly known as lauki (Hindi) and bottle gourd (English). Both its

aerial parts and fruits are commonly consumed as a vegetable. Lagenaria siceraria standl is a

popular vegetable, grown almost all the year round, particularly in frost free areas. It can be

cultivate in all kinds of soil, but thrives best in heavily manured loams. It requires warm humid

climate or plenty of water when grown during dry weather. Seeds may be sown in nursery beds

and seedlings transplanted when they have put forth 2-3 leaves. They may be also sown directly,

4-5 seeds together, in manured beds or pits 5- 6ft.

SYSTEMATIC TREATMENT

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom Plantae

Division Angiosperms

Class Eudicots

Order Cucurbitales

Family Cucurbitaceae

Genus Lagenaria

Species Lagenaria siceria standl.

5) Cucumis sativus L.
Figure 5: a)Habit Sketch b)Dorsal Leaf c)Ventral Leaf d) Male Flower e)Calyx f)Anther
g)Female Flower h)Floral Diagram i)Ovary
Very similar to [Link] but ovary cylindrical , stiffly Hairy , hairs with tuberculate bases ; fruits

narrowly oblong , club-shaped , smooth , glabrous .

Two varieties are cultivated for their edible fruit , which may be eaten raw or cooked

[Link] 3-5 lobed ; ovary with 3 placentae ; fruit greenish …..[Link]

+Leaves 7-9 lobed ; ovary with 5 placentae ; fruit mottled yellow and Brown ….[Link]

Leaves simple ; tendrils bifid .Dioecious ; male flowers in racemes or panicles ;

Calyx campanulate , 5-lobed ; Corolla deeply 5-lobed ; Stamens 3,coherent , inserted near base

of calyx ;

Anthers one 1-celled and two 2-celled ; cells straight , connective produced or not

Female flowers solitary or few , axillary ; calyx and corolla similar to male ;

Ovary ovoid , 3-celled ; style thick ; stigmas 3 , bilobed ; ovules 1-2 in each cell , pendulous .

Fruits small , ovoid , indehiscent ; septa disappearing to give a 1-celled , 1-3 seeded fruit ; seeds

ovoid , margins thick , crenulated .

The genus Cucumis belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and comprises 30 species divided into

two groups depending on the number of chromosomes (Jeffrey 1980). Cultivated species are

thermophilous and very sensitive to cold, with considerable moisture requirements. It is a trailing

plant with large leaves and long petioles. The flower develops in the angle of the leaf. The

cucumber has stringent requirements with regard to the temperature, humidity and soil fertility.

Its shallow root system, Although cucumber is a diploid cross-pollinated species, it is nearly

insensitive to inbreeding. Different types of sex expression, monoecious, dioecious,

hermaphroditic, male or female, occur in this species.

SYSTEMATIC TREATMENT

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom Plantae

Division Angiosperms

Class Eudicots

Order Cucurbitales

Family Cucurbitaceae

Genus Cucumis

Species Cucumis sativus L.

6) Trichosanthes wallichiana Sen .

Figure 6: a) Habit Sketch b) Dorsal Leaf c)Ventral Leaf d)Ovary e)Seed
IDENTIFICATION

Leaves Sub orbicular in outline, 10-20 10 -20 cm, deeply 3-9 lobed,

lobes oblong or lanceolate , acuminate , base rounded , margin dentculate or dentate, glands

clustered between veins on lower surface , petioles 3-10 cm ; Tendrils 2-3 fid .

Male peduncles 15-35 cm , pubescent , 6-12 flowered ; bracts broadly ovate , 2.5-3cm base ;

calyx tube 5-5.5 cm , 12-14 mm wide at apex petals obovate,3-4cm;anthers 12-13 3mm .

Female peduncles 2-4 cm ; ovary oblong . Fruit 3-4 cm; anthers 12-13 3mm .Female peduncles

2-4cm;ovary oblong . Fruit oblong –ovoid , c8 5cm , seeds squarish ,15-18mm , 7mm thick.

Bhutan : C-punakha and Tashigang districts , N-upper Mo Chu and upper Kuru Chu Districts :

Darjeeling : widespread; Sikkim : Lachen .In mixed rain forest , [Link]-August

Trichosanthes wallichiana Sen. , commonly known as Wallich's Snake Gourd, is a fascinating

plant species native to Southeast Asia. Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family.. Its leaves are

heart-shaped and can vary in size, contributingto the plant's lush, green appearance. The plant

produces both male and female flowers, It starts out as a small, green, cylindrical gourd and can

grow up to several feet long. young fruits are edible and can be prepared in various dishes,

though they are less common in Western cuisine. Overall, Trichosanthes wallichiana Sen. is a

striking example of the diversity and adaptability of the Cucurbitaceae family

The antioxidant properties of Trichosanthes wallichiana Sen. are significant and have garnered

interest in both traditional medicine and scientific research.

SYSTEMATIC TREATMENT

BOTANICAL NOMENCLATURE

Kingdom Plantae

Division Angiosperms

Class Eudicots

Order Cucurbitales

Family Cucurbitaceae

Genus Trichosanthes

Species Trichosanthes wallichiana

Sen.

7) Luffa cylindrical L.
Figure 7 : a)Habit Sketch b)Dorsal Leaf c)Ventral Leaf d)Flower e) Androecium f)Stamen
g) Gyaenocium h)Calyx i) Ovary
Luffa [Luffa cylindrica (L.) syn Luffa aegyptiaca Mill] commonly called sponge gourd, loofa,

vegetable sponge, bath sponge or dish cloth gourd, is a member of cucurbitaceouse family. The

fruits of Luffa cylindrical [Link] smooth and cylindrical shaped. One mature Luffa sponge will

produce at least 30 seeds. Some will produce many more. Luffa cylindrical L. has alternate and

palmate leaves comprising petiole. The leaf is 13 and 30 cm in length and width respectively and

has the acute-end lobe. It is hairless and has serrated edges. The flower of Luffa cylindrical L. is

yellow and blooms on August-September. Luffa cylindrica L. is monoecious and the

inflorescence of the male flower is a raceme and one female flower exists.

Geographical source: Luffa cylindrica L. is a sub-tropical plant, which requires warm summer

temperatures and long frost-free growing season when grown in temperate regions. It is an

annual climbing plant which produces fruit containing fibrous vascular system. It is summer

season vegetable.

SYSTEMATIC TREATMENT

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom Plantae

Division Angiosperms

Class Eudicots

Order Cucurbitales

Family Cucurbitaceae

Genus Luffa

Species Luffa cylindrica L.

 CONCLUSION

A comprehensive survey of the Darjeeling District has identified a total of 7 distinct species of

Cucurbitaceae family . The Distribution of these species extends beyond Darjeeling ,

encompassing North-East India and Neighbouring countries like Bhutan , Nepal and Bangladesh

. In conclusion , the Cucurbitaceae family stands as one of the most versatile and valuable plant

families , offering a wide array of benefits , from nutritional to economic and ecological .

Continued exploration of it’s diversity and potential will undoubtedly contribute to sustainability

and resilience of agricultural systems worldwide . The family’s diversity and potential for future

research underscore it’s ongoing relevance and importance in the years to come .

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My deepest gratitiude to all those who have supported me throughout the completion of this

Dissertation unwavering support and guidance throughout the course of my Dissertation on “A

comprehensive study on Morphology and Diversity of plants belonging to the Cucurbitaceae

family in and around Darjeeling Himalayas” First and foremost , I would like to thank my

Supervisor , Chandan Naskar Sir for his expert guidance , constructive criticism and unwavering

support. I am deeply thankful to all the esteemed faculty members of the Department for their

Constructive feedback and encouragement , which significantly contributed to the best quality of

my research . Their invaluable advice helped shape my research and made writing process much

more manageable . I am also extremely grateful to my friends (Sweta Rai , Pragya Dahal ,

Siddhart Chhettri , Sumitra Sharma , Adarsha Thulung and Nihal Gurung ) , for their insightful

feedback and suggestions which significantly improved the quality of this work .This dissertation

has been a collective effort and I am grateful to everyone who has played a role , no matter big

or small , in shaping this research endeavour.

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