noun
Refers to the plant Momordica charantia, known for its bumpy green fruit and bitter taste. Used in Okinawan and Asian cuisine.
ツルレイシはゴーヤとも呼ばれ、沖縄料理によく使われる。
Bitter melon is also called goya and is often used in Okinawan cuisine.
夏になると、庭
In summer, the bitter melon plants in the garden bear a lot of fruit.
ゴーヤ is the Okinawan-derived name for the same plant, very common in everyday speech and cooking contexts, while ツルレイシ is the standard Japanese botanical name.
The name ツルレイシ literally means 'vine lychee' (蔓 = vine, 茘枝 = lychee), likely referring to the fruit's bumpy skin resembling a lychee. The exact origin of the name is uncertain.