Cucumis metuliferus (African Horned Cucumber)
Cucumis metuliferus (African Horned Cucumber) yellow flower centered with broad green leaves in the background.
Botanical name: Cucumis metuliferus
Common names: African Horned Cucumber, Kiwano
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Origin: Africa
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
USDA Zone: 9-10
Plant type: Fruit or edible
Fruit type: Fruit or edible
Plant form: Climbing or groundcover vine
Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular
Flower color: Yellow, orange
Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growingIt 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.
Cucumis metuliferus (African Horned Cucumber) pair of oval orange fruits with spikes on a plate
Cucumis metuliferus (African Horned Cucumber) sliced open revealing lime green pulp and bright orange skin
Cucumis metuliferus (African Horned Cucumber) sliced open revealing the vibrant inner flesh on a plate
Cucumis metuliferus (African Horned Cucumber) resting on a plate, cut open to reveal green inside.
Cucumis metuliferus (African Horned Cucumber) orange spiked fruit resting on a plate.
Cucumis metuliferus (African Horned Cucumber) halved orange fruit resting on a plate
Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/cucumis_metuliferus.htm