African horned cucumber
Cucumis metuliferus E.Mey. ex Naudin
Cucumis metuliferus, known as the African horned cucumber, is an annual vine in the Cucurbitaceae family. Native to Southern Africa, it is found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Angola. The fruit features horn-like spines and has an orange skin with lime-green, soft flesh when ripe.
Description
Cucumis metuliferus, described by E.Mey. ex Naudin in 1859, is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is commonly called the African horned cucumber, horned melon, spiked melon, jelly melon, or kiwano. The plant is an annual vine with a fruit characterized by its spiny exterior and bright orange skin when mature. The interior flesh is soft and lime-green. It is native to Southern Africa, including regions such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Angola. The species is also cultivated in other regions including South Carolina, Herzegovina-Neretva, Yemen, Australia, the Socotra Archipelago, and Southeast Asia.
Other common names
African horned cucumber
Distribution
SC · HR · YE · AU · Socotra Archipelago · SE
Synonyms
Cucumis metuliferusCucumis tinneanus
