| South African Spiny Cucumber | |
| Cucumis zeyheri |
A wild African cucumber bearing small, spiny fruits. The fruits are generally considered inedible as they are quite bitter though some plants may produce less bitter fruits. The species is of main interest as an ornamental. Over time it will produce an interesting caudex base.
Description: Fairly fast growing vine to several feet in all directions. It is a perennial, but shoots die back out of season and grow from the woody base the following year. Like common cucumbers, this species has unisex flowers, but both male and female flowers are produced on the same plant. The fruits grow to a couple of inches and are colored green, often with off color spots. Fruits are covered in spines and ripen to a pale yellow.
Hardiness: Unknown frost hardiness.
Growing Environment: Growth requirements are minimal. Grow in full sun, provide adequate water for vigorous growth. Does not seem too picky about soil conditions and once established, is likely a fairly tough plant.
Propagation: By seeds, which germinate fairly easily, with care similar to the common cucumber.
Uses: Usually grown as an ornamental curiosity. Being a relative of the common cucumber, these is also some interest in its genetics for potential cross breeding.
Native Range: Native from Zambia and Zimbabwe, south to South Africa. The species is relatively common in its native range.