Cucumis metuiiferus
Family: Cucurbitaceae

Cucumis rnetuliferus has three-lobed, roughly heart-shaped leaves, with toothed margins, and spiny, oblong fruit, 7-10 cm (3-4 in) long, which turn golden yellow when they are ripe. The stems are covered with bristly hairs. This edible fruit is native to tropical and South Africa and is not widely grown in the UK. It is usually eaten with a spoon straight from the shell.

Cultivation

African horned cucumbers can be grown in the same way as ordinary cucumbers (see here). They need warm growing conditions and they will not tolerate frost. As the plants carry both male and female flowers, pollination must be carried out by hand if natural pollinators such as bees are not present. The swollen base of the female flower develops into fruit once it is fertilized.

Climate

Zone 10, but grown as a summer crop in all climates.