Abobra tenuifolia

Abobra tenuifolia, or cranberry gourd, belongs to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. This perennial vine comes from subtropical parts of South America. Kew gives its native range as Brazil to north-central Argentina. Other plant references also list Uruguay within its range. Useful Tropical Plants records it from sea level to higher ground. Its upper elevation there is about 1,640 feet [500 metres].

New stems grow each year from a fleshy rootstock. These stems can reach about 11.5 feet [3.5 metres] long. Tendrils help them grip supports as they climb. The root lies about one foot [0.3 metres] below ground. This underground root lets growers keep the plant between growing seasons. Its climbing form suits a bed with support near a wall. PFAF lists sites beside south-facing and west-facing walls for cultivation.

The flowers have a green-white colour and a strong scent. PFAF gives the flowering season as July to August. Each plant bears either male flowers or female flowers. Grow both sexes if you want to collect seed. Insects pollinate the flowers, according to Useful Tropical Plants. The small fruits have an egg-like shape. They measure about half an inch [0.012 metres] in length. Seeds ripen from September to October, after the flowering season.

Give this vine a warm site with full sun. It cannot grow in shade, according to PFAF. Light sandy soil or medium loam suits it. The soil should drain well and may be dry or moist. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils. PFAF lists USDA zones 8–11 but also calls it frost tender. It will not survive outdoors through winter across most of Britain. Lift the root and keep it in a greenhouse or frame. Replant it in May, as PFAF advises. Roots may stay outside in Britain's mildest areas.

Sow seeds in rich compost under glass in April. Move seedlings into their own pots once large enough to handle. Plant them outside after the last expected frost. The vine offers scented flowers as well as a climbing form. Both plant databases list the fruit as edible. Useful Tropical Plants reports some local gathering of wild fruit. Neither source gives details on preparation or amounts to eat. Both report no known hazards, rather than firm proof of safety. They list no known medicinal uses or other uses.