Cucumis metuliferus
CUCUMBER-KIWANO-(PRICKLY CUKE) is a member of the melon & cucumber family & is native to southern & central Africa. Very unusual fruit with spiny horns. The green-yellow skin turns a bright deep orange when ready to harvest. It tastes like a combination of banana, melon, cucumber & lime. The seeds & pulp of the kiwano are very nutritious as the seeds contain Vitamin A in the form of carotenoids such as Beta-carotene, which promotes the health of the eyes, & skin as well as having free-radical scavenging properties & boosting the immune system. The seeds contain oleic & linoleic fatty acids too making them very good for blood pressure & overall health. Also known in Australia as ‘Prickly Cuke’.
Sow two seeds per final position. When the plants have the first true leaves, thin to one plant per position. Must have warm soil & conditions for growing.