Melothria cucumis
Family: Cucurbitaceae
What it is like
A climber. It grows each year from seed. The leaves are round with 5 angles or lobes. They are 3-9 cm long. The fruit are oval and 30-40 mm long by 20-25 mm wide. The seeds are oval and 7 mm long by 3.5 mm wide.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Paraguay, South America (country/location of origin), Uruguay
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw or used in pickles.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Pepininho, Pepino-de-sapo, Popino