N.Vietnam, Cao Bang Prov., Trung Khanh Distr., Ngoc Khe Municipality, Pac Nga village, around point 22°54′59′'N, 106°31′44′'E, at elevation 800-850 m a.s.l.
Remnants of primary broad-leaved evergreen and coniferous forest along rocky tops of rocky ridges and mesae composed with light gray solid marble-like highly eroded crystalline limestone.
Herbaceous vine 6-8 m long. Fruits ovate up to20 cm long and 14 cm wide, light green with deep green irregular longitudinal stripes (like watermelon). Not common. Young shoots edible (boiled).