Barelaa (Balsam Apple)
Cyclanthera pedata (syn. C. ramosa ) is a vine that can be 12 m long; the stems are thin; and the leaves can be up to 24 cm long, palmate or pedate in shape. The small flowers can be greenish or white and are borne in racemes.
Cyclanthera pedata is an annual with tuberous roots and long vines. This herbaceous plant belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and it can be found in open places in Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina. Cyclanthera pedata is native to tropical regions of South America. It belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and can be found in open places in Bolivia, Peru and Argentina . Cyclanthera pedata is used by local populations as an antidiarrhoeal for children. The fruits are edible with laxative properties, and the leaves are used in some places for thatching roofs.
The small greenish or white flowers are sweet-scented and grow in inflorescences. The flowers are bisexual. The fruit is a large, soft berry containing numerous seeds.
It is easily grown in open areas in full sun to part shade. Flowering can begin when the plant is very young. A 10-cm pot will give you a vine about 18 m long. Or direct-sow seeds, keeping in mind it takes about 4 weeks for germination. Give the vine something to climb on. Sow cyclanthera pedata seeds in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Seeds need light to germinate, so don't cover them. Germination will not take more than 1 or 2 weeks. Cyclanthera pedata seeds should germinate within 4 weeks if sown at the right time. Apply a balanced fertilizer weekly. The flowers will pollinate themselves and the plant is self-fertile.
Some regions prohibit growing this plant due to its invasive nature (e.g. in Florida, California). Cyclanthera pedata belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and can be found in open places in Bolivia, Peru and Argentina . Cyclanthera pedata is an annual with tuberous roots and long vines. It also belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and can be found in open places in Bolivia, Peru and Argentina. Cyclanthera pedata is used by local populations as an antidiarrhoeal for children. The fruits are edible with laxative properties, and the leaves are used in some places for thatching roofs.
The fruit is a large, soft berry containing numerous seeds. It is easily grown in open areas in full sun to part shade. Flowering can begin when the plant is very young. A 10-cm pot will give you a vine about 18 m long.
Global barelaa (balsam apple) production
Global production of barelaa fruit has increased steadily over the past decade. In 2008, global production was estimated at 1.3 million metric tons, up from 1.1 million metric tons in 2007. The majority of barelaa fruit production takes place in Africa, where the fruit is native. Nigeria is the largest producer of barelaa fruit, accounting for an estimated 40 percent of global production. Other major producers include Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon.
The increase in global production of barelaa fruit can be attributed to a number of factors. First, the demand for fruit has been increasing steadily as more people become aware of its nutritional benefits. Second, the fruit is now being grown in more countries, including Brazil and China. Finally, advances in cultivation techniques have helped to improve yields and quality.
The future of barelaa fruit production looks bright. With continued increases in demand and improvements in cultivation, it is likely that global production will continue to grow. This will provide a valuable source of income for small farmers and provide nutritious food for people around the world.