The Mystery of the Bitter Melon

On Friday, April 21, 2023, during a routine stroll through the NLYH gardens, a discovery was made by the NLYH Garden Club. Nestled among the Ficus hedge at the Shuffleboard court, an interesting vine was found contently twisting and turning throughout the hedge. It was thriving and produced a beautiful bright orange fruit. A sample was taken, and research began. The offending beauty was an invasive weed. Not just any weed…a pretty weed that has quite an appeal. It begins with bright yellow flowers, then becomes a green pod which turns into a bright orange fruit. The fruit then bursts open and exposes bright red sticky seeds. The seeds drop to the ground and the process of reproducing continues.

After continuing our research, it was found that the only way to remove this pretty but offensive vine was to remove it manually. So, the Garden Club rolled up its sleeves and began removing them. We tackled the Shuffleboard court with enthusiasm and were able to remove the plants. We found, after more research, that it was best to remove the root, which, when pulled outward, released the “octopus-like vine” from its host. Job well done. Well, one would think. However, further strolls through the area discovered another infestation with more numerous vines, near the Bocce Court.

More research. Where are they coming from? We discovered that this plant is known as “stink vine” or “bitter melon” and is used as an herbal treatment in some countries. It is also consumed in Africa and Asia. Its prevalence has increased since the hurricane. The water surge has brought the seeds into our yards and gardens. There is no way to kill it, other that removing it by hand. The pods, once open, drop seeds everywhere and produce more plants. There is a danger that the Ficus hedges could be ruined by the invasion.

We launched an all-out effort to “seek and kill” any offending plants. Here are all the areas we found invaded by this vine:

• Shuffleboard court Ficus hedge
• Bocce court Ficus hedge
• All Ficus hedges along Palm Street behind Pier A
• Ficus hedge along Flounder
• North Gate
• South Gate
• Kayak storage area
• Maintenance area on the ground and in the Ficus Hedge
• Pier E, along fence and shrubs
• Beach sunflower bed
• Parking area On Pier K and Grouper
• Several locations on Pier A
• Ficus hedge outside
• South gate next to Sandpiper.

Most of these areas were cleared of the vines. We filled an estimated 15 barrels full of this plant. The winter season has ended, and we have done all we can do for now to save the Ficus hedge and prevent this weed from spreading, but we still need to be on the lookout. We are calling on the residents to help keep this weed under control by walking through their yards and checking any shrubs or bushes. It will also creep on the lawns, especially those that are temporarily abandoned. The weed is easily recognized, with its pretty yellow flowers, which bloom into orange fruits. I have attached some photos below for reference. If you find the root, the plant comes up easily as it fans out from one tap root.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.
We look forward to a community that is free of the nasty Bitter Melon.
Warm Regards, The NLYH Garden Club