Momordica dioica

Spiny gourd also called kantola is a flowering plant in the Cucurbitaceae/gourd family. It is a seasonal monsoon vegetable. It is a rich source of antioxidants and flavonoids. It has antilipid peroxidative properties, that prevent oxidation of fats, thus preventing fatty liver disease.. It is used as a vegetable in all regions of India and some parts in South Asia. It has commercial importance and is exported and used locally. The fruits are cooked with spices, or fried and sometimes eaten with meat or fish. It has small leaves, small yellow flowers, it has small, dark green, round or oval fruits.

Common name(s): Kantola or kakrol in Hindi,Mada hagalakai in Kannada,Kadu peere in Tulu, and paagila in Konkani, bristly balsam pear, prickly carolaho, teasle gourd