Cucumis metuliferus (African Horned Cucumber)

Botanical name: Cucumis metuliferus

Common names: African Horned Cucumber, Kiwano

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Origin: Africa

It is a vining annual that can be grown practically anywhere, provided a warm season. Bright orange, ovaloid fruit with numerous prominent spines. Flesh is bright green, watery, and with a slight sweetness. Plants can produce up to 100 fruits on a single vine. Provide support for the tendrils to grab. Grow much like pumpkins or watermelons, in full sun, provide regular water.

Fruit eaten raw. Cut open the ripe fruit and sprinkle with sugar, which enhances the flavor considerably. The seeds are edible.