Cucumis metuliferus Seeds | Kiwano
LATIN NAME: Cucumis metuliferus
COMMON NAME: Kiwano
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Kiwano (Cucumis metuliferus) stands out as a fine, easy, generous vine in the family Cucurbitaceae. Kiwano is curious, horned, orange melon of warm regions. Jelly-like, green pulp within is cool, refreshing and gently sweet, and fruits keep for a long time after picking. It is a fine, easy, generous vine of warm, sunny garden and the trellis. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. All of this makes Kiwano a satisfying plant to grow and to get to know.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of Cucurbitaceae, Cucumis metuliferus contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. Kiwano has carved a quiet but solid place in plant science, and vine has been studied for oval, spiny fruits and fine, bright orange colour of ripe melon. It retains a following among breeders and collectors, which keeps seed stocks in circulation.
Uses & Benefits
Kiwano works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Kiwano does a lot of work in warm garden and fruit market. Vigorous vine is also an easy, generous cover for trellis and the fence. It has been written up in culinary and agricultural papers for horned fruits and long-keeping character, and it is a fine, easy vine of deep, rich, well-drained garden. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
Cucumbers and melons are hydrating, potassium-rich summer foods; cucumber’s folk role in cooling skin care persists in modern cosmetics, and melon seeds are a traditional snack and diuretic tea in Asia.
Growing from Seed
Kiwano is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Surface-sow onto a light, well-drained compost, dust over a thin covering, and keep evenly moist and sunny until the seedlings show. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
It grows as a fine, easy, generous vine, so its place in the garden is easy to plan. The only critical period is germination, when the compost must stay evenly moist.
Related Reading
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