Teaselgourd, Hedgehog Gourd, Arabian cucumber
Cucumis dipsaceus
Family: Cucurbitaceae
What it is like
A pumpkin family herb. It is an annual plant growing each year from seed. It grows 50 cm high and spreads 2 m wide. The stems are slender and trailing. They have prickles. It has tendrils. The leaves are oval to kidney shaped. They can be 10 cm long. The flowers are funnel shaped and yellow. The fruit are hairy oval berries. They are yellow and 3-7 cm long by 3-4 cm wide.
There are about 25 Cucumis species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It is best in light, well-drained soil. It needs a protected, sunny position. It is damaged by frost or drought. It grows between 425-1,800 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, Colombia, East Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Europe (country/location of origin), Hawaii, India, Kenya, Madagascar, North Africa, Pacific, Somalia, South America, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda
How it is used for food
The seeds are cooked and eaten. The leaves and fruit are also eaten. The young leaves are eaten as a vegetable and are also mashed in food. The leaves are also dried in the sun and then pounded into powder. It is then soaked in hot water, boiled and stirred. It is then eaten.
It has low palatability. It is often a famine food. It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Leaves, seeds, fruit, vegetable
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seeds.
Leaves are collected during the rainy season. They are dried, pounded and stored in airtight containers.
Its other names
Local names
Alaskau, Bequnba, Burate-harre, Dhahanata, Ekaleruk, Googo, Hachirindo, Hashupata, Hunduhundu, Kakashut, Kasasalya, Katanga, Kikungi, Kyambatwa, Lisapi, Mullampanrivelari, Utumbu