Overview
Cucumis chrysocomus Schumach. var. echinophorus (Naudin) Hiern is a tropical and subtropical plant species that belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is commonly known as African horned cucumber, jelly melon, horned melon, or kiwano. The plant is widely cultivated in Africa, Australia, and New Zealand for its unusual fruit that has a spiky, yellow-orange rind and jelly-like flesh.Appearance
The African horned cucumber plant is a trailing vine that can grow up to four meters in length. The leaves are dark green, rough, and heart-shaped with serrated edges. The plant produces solitary, yellow flowers that are five centimeters in diameter. The fruit of the plant is oval-shaped and thorny with a length of 10-15 centimeters and a diameter of 4-6 centimeters. When ripe, the fruit has a yellow-orange rind with spiky protrusions and is filled with a green to yellow, jelly-like, and seedy flesh. The fruit's aroma is described as a mix of banana, cucumber, and lemon.Uses
The African horned cucumber has several uses. The fruit's jelly-like flesh is eaten raw and has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. It is often consumed on its own or in salads and cocktails. The seeds can also be toasted and eaten as a snack or used in baking. The leaves of the plant are used to make a herbal tea that is believed to possess medicinal properties. The root of the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat headache, fever, and digestive problems. In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, the African horned cucumber plant is also used as an ornamental plant for its unusual and attractive fruit. Overall, the African horned cucumber is a unique and versatile plant that has various uses and an exotic appearance.Growth Conditions for Cucumis chrysocomus Schumach. var. echinophorus (Naudin) Hiern
Light: Cucumis chrysocomus Schumach. var. echinophorus (Naudin) Hiern requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It thrives in areas with good exposure to sunlight, typically in areas with at least six hours of sun every day.
Temperature: The optimal temperature range for Cucumis chrysocomus Schumach. var. echinophorus (Naudin) Hiern growth is between 22°C to 30°C. These plants cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and may not thrive in areas with high humidity and temperatures above 35°C. If grown in areas with temperature below 15°C, the plant may suffer from stunted growth and may not produce fruits.
Soil: Cucumis chrysocomus Schumach. var. echinophorus (Naudin) Hiern prefers well-drained soils with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in nutrients, organic matter, and have a good water-holding capacity. Sandy loam soil with good drainage is the best option for this plant, but it can also grow on clay loam soils with good drainage. The ideal soil temperature for planting is between 20 to 25°C.
Cultivation Methods
Cucumis chrysocomus Schumach. var. echinophorus (Naudin) Hiern, commonly known as the Horned melon or Kiwano, is an annual plant species. The plant is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is best grown in hot and tropical climates. It's best to plant the Kiwano in well-drained soils with plenty of sunlight. It can grow up to six feet tall, so make sure to space out the plants accordingly to avoid overcrowding.
Watering Needs
Kiwano plants require relatively frequent watering, especially during the growing season. It's essential to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases, so make sure to water the plants in moderation. During the dry season, you may need to water the plants more frequently to prevent wilting.
Fertilization
It's essential to fertilize your Kiwano plants regularly, especially during the growing season. An all-purpose fertilizer will work well, but you may also use a nutrient-rich fertilizer specifically formulated for fruit-bearing plants. Apply the fertilizer based on the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to nutrient burn.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of growing healthy Kiwano plants. Remove any dead or diseased leaves to prevent the spread of disease. You may also need to remove any excess foliage and stems to encourage the plant to focus its energy on fruit production. Kiwano plants produce both male and female flowers, and you can remove the male flowers as they appear to encourage more fruit development.
Propagation of Cucumis chrysocomus Schumach. var. echinophorus (Naudin) Hiern
Cucumis chrysocomus Schumach. var. echinophorus (Naudin) Hiern, commonly known as the horned cucumber, is a vine that produces edible fruit. There are various methods of propagation for this plant, which include:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Cucumis chrysocomus. It involves sowing seeds directly into the soil or in seed trays. It is best to start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost in spring. After germination, seedlings can then be transplanted outdoors.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings can also be used for propagation. Take a cutting with at least two nodes, and ensure that all the leaves on the cutting have been removed. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone, and plant it in moist soil. To encourage root growth, keep the soil moist by regularly watering the cutting.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is a propagation method that involves rooting a section of the stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. This is done by creating a small wound on the stem where you want roots to grow, and wrapping it with moist soil or sphagnum moss. This stimulates rooting, and the stem can then be cut off and planted as a new plant.
Disease Management
Cucumis chrysocomus Schumach. var. echinophorus (Naudin) Hiern is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Downy mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and fruit of the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and death. It thrives in moist and humid conditions.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the fruit and leaves of the plant, causing browning, sunken spots, and rot. It spreads rapidly in wet and rainy weather.
- Fusarium wilt: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing wilting, yellowing, and death. It spreads rapidly in warm and moist soil.
To manage these diseases:
- Plant resistant varieties of Cucumis chrysocomus Schumach. var. echinophorus (Naudin) Hiern
- Practice crop rotation to avoid planting in soil that may contain fungal spores
- Remove and destroy any infected plant debris immediately
- Avoid overhead watering as it can lead to fungal growth
- Apply fungicides as a preventative measure or as soon as symptoms appear
Pest Management
Cucumis chrysocomus Schumach. var. echinophorus (Naudin) Hiern is also susceptible to various pests, including:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing stunted growth and yellowing. They also secrete a sticky substance that attracts other pests.
- Cucumber beetles: These beetles feed on the leaves and fruit of the plant, causing damage and spreading disease. They are especially problematic in the early stages of growth when the plant is most vulnerable.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests suck sap from the leaves and can cause yellowing and wilting. They thrive in hot and dry conditions.
To manage these pests:
- Plant trap crops to lure pests away from the main crop
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids
- Handpick and destroy cucumber beetles
- Spray the plant with a stream of water to dislodge spider mites
- Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides as they can harm beneficial insects
