- Botanical Name & Family: Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley, Cucurbitaceae (gourd family).
- Plant Description: Climbing perennial vine, often grown as an annual. Large, circular, velvety leaves. Produces attractive white flowers. Fruits vary greatly in shape (rounded, bottle-shaped, serpentine), can grow over a meter long. Seeds are brownish, rectangular .
- Cultivation Tips: Warm-weather crop, thrives in tropical/subtropical regions. Ideal planting in summer/monsoon. Requires minimum six hours direct sunlight, well-draining soil (with compost). Sow seeds 1.2-2.5 cm deep in mounds. Requires sturdy trellis. Regular watering is vital. Fruits appear 40-50 days after planting. Prune vines at 2.4 meters.
- Ayurvedic Description: Known as Lauki, Ghiya, or Dudhi. Treats diabetes, hypertension, flatulence. Valued for cooling properties, liver benefits, and weight loss. High water content reduces stress/anxiety. Promotes healthy digestion, reduces acidity. Juice beneficial for heart health, sleep, and preventing premature greying. Extremely bitter gourds should be avoided due to cucurbitacins.
Nutritional profile of seasonal vegetable (per 100g raw edible portion):
| Vegetable | Botanical Name | Calories (kcal) | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) | Key Vitamins | Key Minerals |
| Lauki (Bottle Gourd) | Lagenaria siceraria | 14 / 19 | 3.39 / 3.8 | 0.62 / 0.6 | 0.2 / 0.2 | 0.5 / 0.6 | C (10 mg), A (10 µg RAE) | K (150 mg), Ca, Mg, Cu, P, Mn, Fe, Se, Zn, Na |