Cyclanthera pedata aka Slipper Goard

Cyclanthera pedata is a climbing plant in the cucumber family. Its names include achocha, caigua, and stuffing gourd. Kew lists its range from southern Mexico to northwestern Argentina. Other sources say its wild origins remain unclear. Farmers grow it widely in the Andes for food. Garden sources describe it as annual; Kew calls it perennial.

It climbs with tendrils and can trail across the ground. Garden plants reach about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres] high. Their spread reaches about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Other accounts give stems of 15 feet [4.5 metres] or more. Stems may reach 39 feet [12 metres] in some conditions. The green leaves have five to ten narrow, pointed lobes. Each leaf can span about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres].

The small flowers are greenish white. Male flowers form loose clusters, while female flowers grow alone. Insects pollinate them. Green fruits follow, reaching 0.16–0.49 feet [0.05–0.15 metres] long. Young fruits taste like cucumber but lack its crisp bite. Eat them raw or cooked. Remove the seeds from mature fruits before cooking. Their hollow centres suit stuffing with other foods. Cooks also add them to soups and stews. Leaves and tender shoots serve as cooked greens.

Give this vine a warm, sheltered site with good light. Outdoors, it grows in sun or light shade. Under glass, it needs bright, filtered light and medium humidity. Use rich soil that holds moisture but drains well. A trellis or netting gives the tendrils support. Sow seeds in spring and plant out after frost risk ends. It needs a long, warm season of at least four months. The first fruit harvest may start around three months after planting. RHS rates it H2; it cannot survive freezing. PFAF lists USDA zones 9–11.

It suits beds, wall borders, courtyards, and patio containers. The vine needs no pruning. RHS reports few pest or disease problems. Red spider mites may cause trouble under glass. Useful Tropical Plants records it as a weed in Florida. PFAF reports no known hazards, but this does not establish pet safety. It also records folk remedies made from seeds and fruit. These reports do not establish that such treatments work. The roots have also served as a tooth-cleaning aid.