West Indian gherkin
Cucumis anguria var. longipes

Family: Cucurbitaceae

What it is like

A herb. It can lie along the ground or be a climber. Male and female flowers are separate on the same plant. The fruit are longer than the variety anguria.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on sandy soils. It grows between 200-1,500 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, Central Africa, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, East Africa, Eswatini, Europe, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands Antilles, Sierra Leone, Spain, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Swaziland, Tanzania, West Africa, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The young leaves are boiled as a potherb. Fruit can be bitter. Less bitter ones are eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cucumis longipes Hook.f.;