Cranberry Gourd
Abobra tenuifolia
Family: Cucurbitaceae
What it is like
Abobra tenuifolia is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 3.5
Where it is found
Not known
S. America - Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Fruit. No more details. The egg-shaped fruit is about 12mm long.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Requires a warm sunny position and a light soil. Although not hardy outdoors in most of Britain, the plant has a fleshy root about 30cm below the soil surface and this can be stored overwinter in a greenhouse or frame, replanting it in May. One report says that the root can be left in the ground in the very mildest parts of Britain. A climbing plant, supporting itself by means of tendrils. The greenish-white flowers are powerfully scented. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: Seed - sow April in a rich compost in the greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Perennial Climber
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist