Horned Cucumber, African horned cucumber

Cucumis metuliferus

Physical Characteristics

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. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. Africa.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Fruit - raw[2, 46, 61]. Insipid according to one report[200], whilst another says that it is rather bitter[105]. 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[183]. Seed - raw[57, 86]. Rich in oil with a nutty flavour but very fiddly to use because the seed is small and covered with a fibrous coat[K]. Leaves - cooked[177, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Vermifuge The seeds are vermifuge[7]. They are ground into a fine flour, then made into an emulsion with water and eaten. It is then necessary to take a purge in order to expel the tapeworms or other parasites from the body[7].

Known Hazards

The sprouting seed produces a toxic substance in its embryo[65].