Melothria scabra
cucamelon
Melothria scabra is a fast-growing herbaceous perennial climber, usually grown as an annual, 2.5-3m high, with double-spiralled tendrils, rough-textured green leaves, 3-7cm long with three or five lobes, small yellow flowers about 4mm across in summer, and olive-shaped fruits which are usually about 2.5cm but up to 4cm long and dark green with bands of pale green mottling, in late summer and early autumn; the fruits are edible with an acidic cucumber taste and crunchy texture
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Sow seeds in spring and keep at 22-24°C until germination, grow on at 18-21°C or plant out in moist but well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position once all risk of frost has passed, and provide support such as netting; roots may be lifted and stored overwinter in just-moist compost in a frost-free place and re-planted the following spring
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 22-24°C in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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