Cucumis cinereus

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A herb or vine. It has tendrils 4-5 cm long. The leaves have 5 lobes spread like fingers on a hand. They are heart shaped at the base. Male flowers are in groups of 5-19. Female flowers occur singly. The fruit are oval and orange. They are 1.5-2.5 mm long and 1 cm wide.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cucumella cinerea (Cogn.) C. Jeffrey; Kedrostis cinerea Cogn.; Kedrostis gracilis R. Fern.; Melothria cinerea (Cogn.) A. Meeuse;