Overview
Melothria deltoidea (Schumach. & Thonn.) Benth. is a flowering plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the button cucumber, horned melon, and also gelatin cucumber because of its translucent flesh.
Appearance
The plant is a perennial vine that can grow up to 10 feet long. The leaves are heart-shaped and approximately 2-3 inches in length. The flowers are small and yellow in color, and the fruit is about the size of a grape and is similar in shape to a cucumber. The fruit has a greenish-yellow skin with small spikes on it. When the fruit is ripe, the skin turns orange and the spikes soften. The flesh inside is lime green and jelly-like in texture.
Uses
The fruit is edible and is commonly consumed in Africa and Asia. It is often used in salads, pickles, and sauces. The fruit is also believed to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments including skin diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. Additionally, the seeds of Melothria deltoidea are used to make soap and oil.
In conclusion, Melothria deltoidea is an interesting and useful plant that has various uses ranging from medicinal purposes to culinary dishes.
Light Requirements
Melothria deltoidea requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may not produce as much fruit in those conditions.
Temperature Requirements
It thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 21°C to 30°C. Temperatures colder than 18°C can affect its growth and cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The soil should have a pH between 5.5 to 6.5 for optimal growth. It can grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils as long as there is adequate drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Melothria deltoidea is relatively easy to cultivate and can grow in a wide range of soil types. It prefers well-draining soils and a location that receives full sunlight. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering needs
This plant prefers moderate watering, and the soil should be kept slightly moist. Avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. It is also essential to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can lead to leaf wilt and reduced plant growth.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Melothria deltoidea plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Use a fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Overapplication of fertilizer can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can damage the roots.
Pruning
Prune the Melothria deltoidea plant when it becomes overgrown or leggy. Cut off any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage as soon as you notice it. To promote bushier growth, pinch the tips of the stems. Removing the flower buds can help redirect the plant's energy towards leaf and stem growth.
Propagation of Melothria deltoidea
Melothria deltoidea (Schumach. & Thonn.) Benth., also known as creeping cucumber, is a perennial plant that is propagated mainly by seeds. However, it can also be propagated through cuttings, layering, and division.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Melothria deltoidea should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to increase germination rates. The best time to sow the seeds is in spring or early summer. The seeds should be sown in seed trays or pots filled with well-draining soil, covered lightly with soil, and watered well. It is recommended to keep the soil moist but not water-logged. The seeds should germinate within two weeks.
Cutting Propagation
The plants can be propagated using softwood cuttings. To propagate using this method, select a healthy stem and cut it near the base. Remove all the leaves from the bottom half and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and keep it moist by watering it regularly. The cuttings should be placed in a warm, bright area but not under direct sunlight. Rooting should occur within four weeks.
Layering Propagation
The plant can also be propagated using layering. To propagate by layering, peg a healthy stem to the ground, leaving the tip exposed. Cover the pegged portion of the stem with soil and keep moist. Roots will form at the covered portion of the stem within four to six weeks. Once roots have formed, cut the stem from the parent plant and transplant it into well-draining soil.
Division Propagation
The plant can be propagated by division in early spring. Carefully dig up the parent plant and divide it into smaller sections, making sure each division has several healthy stems and roots. Replant each division into well-draining soil, water it well, and keep it in a warm and bright area.
Disease and Pest Management for Melothria deltoidea
Melothria deltoidea, commonly known as African horned cucumber or jelly melon, is a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect Melothria deltoidea and how to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing a powdery white coating to appear on the surface. To manage powdery mildew, it's important to keep the plant's foliage dry. Avoid overwatering and ensure that there is adequate air circulation around the plant. Additionally, you can apply a fungicide to the affected leaves.
2. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions to appear on the plant's leaves, stems, and fruit. To manage anthracnose, remove the infected plant parts and dispose of them in the trash. Avoid overhead watering and ensure that there is adequate air circulation around the plant.
3. Bacterial wilt: Bacterial wilt is a bacterial disease that causes the plant to wilt and die. There is no known cure for bacterial wilt, so it's important to remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing a stippled appearance on the surface. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
3. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, white insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To manage whiteflies, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to the garden, or apply insecticidal soap.
By following these disease and pest management techniques, you can keep your Melothria deltoidea plant healthy and productive.
