Naras. Butterpips (Acanthosicyos horridus)

Family: Cucurbitaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Acanthosicyos horridus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant, sweet-acid flavour. — Fruit - raw, cooked or preserved.; Juicy, with a pleasant, sweet-acid flavour.; The fruit is up to 7cm long and weighs up to 900g.; Ripe fruits are collected and either buried in the soil or left in the sun for softening, after which they are peeled and then boiled until the seeds become loose.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy dunes of mostly dry river beds where subsurface water is available.. (Zone 9)