Edible Parts: Flowers  Fruit  Oil  Root  Seed
Edible Uses: Oil

Fruit - cooked[105]. Used as a vegetable, it can also be dried for later use[161, 183]. The young fruit is used, it is bitter and becomes more bitter as it gets older[183]. One report says that the fruit contains up to 23% protein[213], though this would be very unusual in a fruit[K]. The fruit is up to 7cm in diameter[200]. Seed - raw or cooked[46, 61, 86, 92, 94]. The seeds can be ground into a powder and used as a thickening in soups or can be mixed with cereal flours when making cakes and biscuits[183, 257]. Rich in oil with a very pleasant nutty flavour, but very fiddly to use because the seed is small and covered with a fibrous coat[K]. The seed contains 30 - 35% protein and 34% oil[183]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[183]. Root - the source of a starch that is used as a sweetener, stabilizer or for making puddings like tapioca[183]. Some caution is advised, see notes on toxicity[207]. The flowers are said to be edible after preparation[183] but no more details are given.

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Laxative  Poultice  Vermifuge

Buffalo gourd was employed medicinally by many native North American tribes who used it particularly in the treatment of skin complaints[257]. It is still employed in modern herbalism as a safe and effective vermicide[238]. The leaves, stems and roots are laxative and poultice[46, 61, 92, 94]. The root is used mainly, but some caution is advised because of a report that it can be poisonous[207]. A poultice of the mashed plant has been used to treat skin sores, ulcers etc[257]. The seeds are vermifuge[7, 88]. The complete seed, together with the husk, is used. This is ground into a fine flour, then made into an emulsion with water and eaten. It is then necessary to take a purgative afterwards in order to expel the tapeworms or other parasites from the body[7]. As a remedy for internal parasites, the seeds are less potent than the root of Dryopteris felix-mas, but they are safer for pregnant women, debilitated patients and children[238].

Darning ball  Musical  Oil  Soap  Starch

The fruit is used as a soap substitute[94, 95, 169]. The fruit is cut up and simmered in water to obtain the soap which can be used for removing stains[92]. The fruit can also be dried and stored for later use[92]. It is often used with the root which is also a soap substitute[92]. The soap is said to be effective in removing stains from clothing[257]. The dried fruits have a tough, thick skin. They can be used whole as rattles or can be carved to make ladles, spoons etc[94, 95, 257]. The root is a rich source of starch[177]. (Industrial uses?)

Special Uses

Carbon Farming