Achocha, Caihua, Caygua, Cayua, Korila, Wild Cucumber

Cyclanthera pedata

Physical Characteristics

Cyclanthera pedata is a ANNUAL growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in flower from August to September. 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. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant is not wind tolerant.

Distribution

Original range is obscure, probably the Andes of S. America, but now widely cultivated through tropical America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Fruit. Young, immature fruits are eaten raw or cooked and have a similar taste to cucumbers though they are not crisp[ 183 , 193 ]. Older fruits are cooked, they can be stuffed in much the same way as marrows[ 183 , 196 ]. The fruit has a large cavity in which the seeds develop, and this can be filled with other foods to make kaywa dishes. This may have inspired the local Spanish name pepino de rellenar ("stuffing cucumber"). Mature fruit are cooked with oil and vinegar or added to soups and stews. The fruit is about 6 - 15cm long[ 196 ] and 6cm wide[ 200 ]. Leaves and tender young shoots - cooked and used as greens[ 183 , 284 ].

Medicinal Uses

Hypotensive A tea made from the seeds is used in the treatment of high blood pressure[ 284 , 318 ]. The dried and powdered seeds are taken in 1 gram doses as a remedy for intestinal parasites[ 318 ]. This sort of treatment is usually followed by a laxative to make sure the parasites are removed from the body[ K ]. The seeds and/or the fruits are recommended for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders[ 318 ]. The fruits are diuretic. They are boiled in milk and gargled as a treatment for tonsillitis[ 318 ]. The fruit juice is recommended as a treatment for conditions such as high blood-cholesterol levels, hypertension, tonsillitis, arteriosclerosis, circulatory problems and diabetes[ 318 ]. The fruits and/or the leaves are boiled in olive oil and used externally as a topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic[ 318 ]. The leaves are considered to be hypoglycaemic and are prepared in a decoction for treating diabetes[ 318 ]. Research conducted in Peru has shown that the plant can lower blood-cholesterol levels in humans with one trial showing an 18.3% reduction in 12 months and other trials showing even larger reductions[ 318 ].

Known Hazards

None known