4-7cm Momodica rostrata

Momordica rostrata, commonly called "Desert Balsam Pear" or "Desert苦瓜", is a fascinating succulent species in the Cucurbitaceae family native to the arid and semi-arid regions of South Africa. Its most striking feature is its large, swollen caudex—typically irregularly shaped with a knobby, textured surface that stores water to survive dry conditions. From this robust caudex emerge slender, twining vining stems that can grow several feet long, adding a dynamic, trailing element to its appearance. The leaves are small, lobed, and deciduous, dropping during periods of drought to conserve moisture, highlighting the plant's adaptation to arid environments.