Horned Cucumber (Cucumis metuliferus)

Family: Cucurbitaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Cucumis metuliferus is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour and often sold in speciality stores in Europe and America, the fruit is not considered to be very desirable in its native area and it is only eaten in times of scarcity. — Insipid according to one report, whilst another says that it is rather bitter.; Said to have a banana-lime flavour and often sold in speciality stores in Europe and America, the fruit is not considered to be very desirable in its native area and it is only eaten in times of scarcity.; Rich in oil with a nutty flavour but very fiddly to use because the seed is small and covered with a fibrous coat.; Leaves - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known. (Zone 9)