Momordica balsamina L.

Momordica balsamina L.. Momordica balsamina, known by the common name balsam apple, is a species of tendril-bearing annual vine native to tropical regions of Africa, as well as introduced and invasive in parts of Asia, Australia, Central America, and North America. In 1810, Thomas Jefferson planted this vine in his flower borders at his Virginia home of Monticello, along with larkspur, poppies, and nutmeg.