Cucumis melanogaster

La Cucumis melanogaster It is an ideal herbaceous plant for gardening. It loves the sun, and also with minimal care you can use it as an ingredient in various recipes. And it is that the flavor of its fruit is pleasant although exotic, and as if that were not enough when it is ripe it can be used as a decoration element in table arrangements.

So, What are you waiting for to know everything you need to grow? : )

Origin and characteristics

Image - Wikimedia / Frank Vincentz

Our protagonist is a herbaceous vine whose scientific name is Cucumis melanogaster. It is popularly known as the African cucumber, fruit of paradise, snowy, mino, kiwuano, kiwano or spiny African melon. It is a relative of the melon and cucumber plants. Its leaves are large, up to 20cm, green in color.

And the fruit measures 10-12cm in length by 6cm in width and has an elongated shape. The skin is yellow-brown in color, and has fleshy and wide spines. Inside we will find seeds of just 1cm, whitish.

Uses

It is used as a horticultural, because its fruit is edible. It is used in salads especially, although it can be consumed alone without problems. It is rich in vitamins, especially C, and potassium. Also, it must be said that if the bark is not damaged, it lasts up to 6 months.

How is it grown?

If you want to grow your own kiwano, we recommend the following:

• Location: outside, in full sun.
• Siembra: in spring. It takes about 3-5 weeks to germinate.
• Land: fertile, with good drainage.
• Irrigation: frequent, it is necessary to avoid that the earth dries up since it does not resist the drought.
• Subscriber: throughout the season, with ecological fertilizers once a month.
• Harvest: in autumn, when the fruits turn yellow-brown and the rind is only slightly soft.

Enjoy your copy of Cucumis melanogaster : )