rapid-growing vine (Trichosanthes cucumerina), of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), native to southeastern Asia and Australia but cultivated throughout the world for its edible, oddly shaped fruits. A snake gourd plant has two- or three-forked tendrils, white flowers that have long fringes on the petals. T. cucumerina has ovoid fruit 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 inches) long, which when dried can be used as a soap substitute.