Cucumis africanus
Cucumis africanus L.f.
Cucumis africanus, known as the wild cucumber or wild gherkin, is a species in the genus Cucumis, part of the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus the Younger in 1782. The species is native to Southern Africa, occurring in Angola, Botswana, the Cape Provinces, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, Namibia, Northern Provinces, and Zimbabwe.
Description
Cucumis africanus is a wild relative of the cultivated cucumber and is distinguished by its small, often bitter fruits. It grows in a range of habitats across Southern Africa and is adapted to local environmental conditions. The species is part of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes economically important crops like melons and squash. It is primarily found in arid to semi-arid regions and is a component of the native flora in several African countries.
Distribution
Angola · Botswana · Cape Provinces · Free State · KwaZulu-Natal · Lesotho · Namibia · Northern Provinces · Zimbabwe
Synonyms
Cucumis arenariusCucumis dipsaceusCucumis hookeri
