Cuchinito
Cyclanthera brachystachya

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A pumpkin family plant. It grows each year from seeds. The vines are 3 m long. It can climb over other plants using tendrils. The fruit explode to release the seeds. The fruit are 2-4 cm long.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in shrubland. It grows between 800-3,500 m above sea level. It can tolerate some cold. It is best in a warm sunny position in a rich, well-drained soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Andes, Asia, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, North America, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten as a vegetable. They are eaten raw in salads and also cooked.

It is sometimes cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. They are best put in a nursery and then transplanted.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cyclanthera explodens Naudin;