Flutted Pumpkin (ugu leaves)

Telfairia occidentalis is a tropical vine grown in Africa as a leaf vegetable and for its edible seeds. Common names for the plant include Fluted gourd, Fluted pumpkin, and Ugu. Telfairia occidentalis is a member of the curcurbitaceae family. The fluted gourd grows in many nations of West Africa and somef ew Countries in the North East regions of Africa.

Considered an “oil seed”, the fluted gourd is high in oil (30%). Shoots of Telfairia occidentalis contain high levels of potassium and iron, while seeds are composed of 27% crude proteins and 53% fats. Doctors do recommend this plant for patients will less amount of blood. A study conducted by the Federal Institute of Technology Akure in West Africa that examined the chemical properties of the fluted gourd, concluded that the leaves contain a high amount of antioxidants, hepatoprotective and antimicrobial properties.

Telfairia occidentalis is typically grown vertically on trestle-like structures; however, it can be allowed to spread flat on a field. A beneficial outcome of growing the gourd flat is the suppression of weeds, especially when intercropped with a tall, upright plant such as maize. The growing period begins in April or May when seeds are planted; the first leaves and shoots can be harvested after a month and can be collected every 2–4 weeks thereafter. Seeds are planted directly in the soil, typically in groups of three to increase output in a case of a failed germination. Fruit is typically harvested between October and December.

This leaf is regarded as the main ingredients for preparing traditional soups in many African countries.

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