Trichosanthes kirilowii japonica - Ki Karasu-Uri

6 seeds per pack. A rare member of the melon family bearing 3" long fruits that are the shape of an egg. Both the vine, roots and fruits have a number of uses. Fruits are pickled when young, roots and tubers have a variety of uses as well. The plant is also one of the 50 fundamental herbs of Chinese herbalism and has a variety of medicinal uses. Vigorous perennial or annual vine to 20-30 feet. Foliage is not frost hardy, but the roots are said to be hardy to zone 6-7. #2436