Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Cucurbitales
Genus:
Species:
metuliferus
ID:
629601

Status:
valid

Authors:
E.Mey. ex Schrad.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1859

Citation Micro:
Linnaea 12(4): 406. 1838 [Apr-Sep 1838] , nomen.; et Naud. in Ann. Sc. Nat. Ser. IV. 11: 10 (1859)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000628933

Common Names

  • African horned cucumber
  • African horned melon
  • Cucumis metuliferus

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Description

Cucumis metuliferus (also called Horned Cucumber, among many other common names) is a species of cucumber in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is an annual herbaceous vine with horn-shaped leaves, native to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It is found in dry habitats, such as scrubland and grassland.

Uses & Benefits

Cucumis metuliferus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a food crop. It is also used for its medicinal properties, such as treating skin infections, wounds, and other ailments.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Cucumis metuliferus has small yellow flowers with five petals. The seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings are small and have a long, thin stem.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Cucumis metuliferus is an annual vine that can reach up to 10 feet in length. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Propagate by seed in spring, or by stem cuttings in summer. The fruits are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Where to Find Cucumis metuliferus

Cucumis metuliferus is found in tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to Angola.

Cucumis metuliferus FAQ

What is the scientific name of Cucumis metuliferus?

Cucumis metuliferus

What is the common name of Cucumis metuliferus?

Kiwano

What is the origin of Cucumis metuliferus?

Africa

Species in the Cucumis genus

Cucumis rumphianus, Cucumis aetheocarpus, Cucumis bryoniifolius, Cucumis cinereus, Cucumis clavipetiolatus, Cucumis debilis, Cucumis engleri, Cucumis gracilis, Cucumis indicus, Cucumis javanicus, Cucumis kelleri, Cucumis kirkbridei, Cucumis leiospermus, Cucumis messorius, Cucumis reticulatus, Cucumis ritchiei, Cucumis silentvalleyi, Cucumis aculeatus, Cucumis africanus, Cucumis anguria, Cucumis asper, Cucumis baladensis, Cucumis canoxyi, Cucumis carolinus, Cucumis dipsaceus, Cucumis ficifolius, Cucumis globosus, Cucumis hastatus, Cucumis heptadactylus, Cucumis hirsutus, Cucumis humofructus, Cucumis hystrix, Cucumis insignis, Cucumis jeffreyanus, Cucumis kalahariensis, Cucumis maderaspatanus, Cucumis meeusei, Cucumis melo, Cucumis metuliferus, Cucumis myriocarpus, Cucumis picrocarpus, Cucumis prophetarum, Cucumis pubituberculatus, Cucumis pustulatus, Cucumis quintanilhae, Cucumis rigidus, Cucumis rostratus, Cucumis sacleuxii, Cucumis sagittatus, Cucumis sativus,

Species in the Cucurbitaceae family

Abobra tenuifolia, Acanthosicyos horridus, Actinostemma lobatum, Actinostemma parvifolium, Actinostemma tenerum, Alsomitra macrocarpa, Ampelosicyos humblotii, Ampelosicyos major, Ampelosicyos meridionalis, Ampelosicyos scandens, Ampelosicyos bosseri, Ampelosicyos leandrii, Ampelosycios meridionalis, Ampelosycios scandens, Apodanthera anatuyana, Apodanthera argentea, Apodanthera aspera, Apodanthera biflora, Apodanthera bradei, Apodanthera cinerea, Apodanthera eriocalyx, Apodanthera fasciculata, Apodanthera ferreyrana, Apodanthera glaziovii, Apodanthera hindii, Apodanthera hirtella, Apodanthera laciniosa, Apodanthera linearis, Apodanthera mandonii, Apodanthera mathewsii, Apodanthera palmeri, Apodanthera sagittifolia, Apodanthera smilacifolia, Apodanthera succulenta, Apodanthera tumbeziana, Apodanthera ulei, Apodanthera undulata, Apodanthera villosa, Apodanthera weberbaueri, Apodanthera longipedicellata, Austrobryonia argillicola, Austrobryonia centralis, Austrobryonia micrantha, Austrobryonia pilbarensis, Baijiania borneensis, Baijiania taiwaniana, Baijiania decipiens, Baijiania smitinandii, Bambekea racemosa, Bayabusua clarkei,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-2747009: Based on the initial data import
Heinrich Schrader (1767-1836): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Schrad.' in the authors string.
Ernst Heinrich Friedrich Meyer (1791-1858): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'E.Mey.' in the authors string.