Cucumis anguria aka West Indian Gherkin

Cucumis anguria is an annual vine in the gourd family. Names include bur gherkin and West Indian gherkin. Kew places its native range from Tanzania to southern Africa. It grows in tropical areas with a dry season. Some older sources dispute its origin and wild status. Growers raise it for food in warm regions. It also grows in temperate places with long, hot summers.

The plant grows fast and climbs or trails across ground. Slender stems grip supports with tendrils. Garden plants reach about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres] long. RHS gives a spread up to 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. The stems are green and carry stiff hairs. Green leaves have deep lobes and a rough, bristly feel. Long leaf stalks hold the large, wrinkled blades. Their edges have teeth. A trellis or wire fence can support the vines.

Small yellow flowers open in summer and attract bees. Male and female flowers grow on the same plant. Insects pollinate them. The green fruit has soft spines or thick hairs. RHS describes it as about the size of an egg. Its flesh and seeds are pale green. Other sources describe larger fruit, so reported sizes vary. Plants may yield fruit 40–80 days after sowing or planting out. Pick green fruit often to help sustain the crop. Yellow fruit is overripe and can become tough.

Give this vine full sun and a warm, sheltered site. It needs rich soil that holds moisture but drains well. Keep the soil moist, as its water needs are high. It accepts several soil textures and a broad pH range. Frost harms it, and seeds need warm soil to grow. RHS rates it H1C, for summer outdoor growth in Britain. A greenhouse offers another growing site. It suits food gardens and can grow in containers. No pruning is needed. Aphids, cucumber beetles, spider mites and whiteflies can attack it. Powdery mildew and cucumber mosaic virus are possible problems. Keep leaves dry when watering to reduce fungal disease. It can become invasive in parts of North America and Australia.

Use the fruit raw, cooked, or pickled in vinegar. Young leaves can be cooked; sources also list raw seeds as edible. PFAF records seed use against intestinal worms. This is a reported use, not a treatment recommendation. Sprouting seeds contain a toxic substance in the embryo. ASPCA lists the plant as non-toxic to common domestic animals. RHS warns that bitter fruit can poison pets.