A snake bean flower.
Justin Ballew, ©2023, Clemson Extension
This hairy-looking flower will develop into a snake bean flower. I recently visited a community garden and was stumped when the groundskeeper asked me if I knew what plant this crazy-looking flower belonged to. After I blanked for some time, I was informed that this flower belonged to the Python Snake Bean plant (Trichosanthes cucumerina), sometimes called a snake gourd or serpent gourd. This unusual flower produces an unusual fruit that is common in Asian gardens and dishes. The plant is a member of the cucurbit family and can be added to the garden for its cool-looking flower or its unusual fruit that can be both eaten and enjoyed as a decoration.
The snake bean fruit makes an interesting table decoration.
Justin Ballew, ©2023, Clemson Extension
