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Cucumis metulifer E.Mey. ex Naudin
| Family Name: | Cucurbitaceae |
| Synonyms: | Cucumis tinneanus Kotschy & Peyr. |
| Common Name: | African Horned Cucumber, Kiwano, Jelly Melon, 刺角瓜 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Climber |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 3 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Southern and Central Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Climbing herbaceous vine up to 3 m long. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are egg- to heart-shaped (10 cm long, 9 cm wide) and usually have 3-5 lobes. The veins on the underside are roughly hairy. |
| Flowers | Male and female flowers occur on the same plant. Female, light green flowers are always solitary, while male green to light yellow flowers may be solitary or occur in clusters of up to 4. |
| Fruit | The yellow, spiky fruits are cylindrical or shaped like an ellipsoid (6-15 cm long, 3-6 cm wide). They contain a mass of flat, ellipsoid seeds coated in a light green jelly. |
| Associated Fauna | In its native habitat, birds, rodents and small mammals consume the jelly-coated seeds which provide an important source of water. |
| Taxonomy | The historical spelling of the scientific name 'Cucumis metuliferus' has been corrected to 'Cucumis metulifer' . |
| Cultivation | It grows best in sandy soil which is watered regularly. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits Food (Fruit or Vegetable): There are bitter forms which may be toxic and non-bitter forms which are edible. The taste of non-bitter forms has been described as bland, sour, or a combination of pineapple and banana. The jelly-coated seeds can be consumed raw or added to fruit salads. The fruit pulp can be pickled or made into a jelly. Medicinal: The African tribe known as 'Shona' use a root decoction to relieve pain after childbirth. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Fruits |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Small Gardens, Trellis / Arbour / Pergola |
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Fruit |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
| Potential Problems | Susceptible to white flies and mildew. Relatively resistant to most insect pests. |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Unisexual Flowers , Monoecious |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden, Green - Light Green |
|---|
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Thorny / Spiny |
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32704 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 7116 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
