luo han guo; monk fruit; Siraitia grosvenorii
Refers to the plant (a perennial vine) and its fruit, known for its sweet taste and use in traditional medicine and as a sweetener.
Monk fruit sweetness is low in calories, so it's popular during dieting.
In southern China, monk fruit has been used as a traditional herbal medicine since ancient times.
Katakana spelling is common for this loanword-like plant name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling; less common in everyday use but seen in botanical or traditional contexts.
From Chinese 羅漢果 (luóhànguǒ), literally 'arhat fruit', referring to the Buddhist saint-like appearance of the dried fruit.