Hodgsonia, Kadsura and Paris in Thailand

Conserved plants of Plant Genetic Conservation Project (RSPG)

658d6c8e007829d3ac49c6f77dc05dd1

TitleCreeping-cucumber (Melothria pendula)
Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
Rating4
VettedTrusted
Description
This tiny native cucumber has two completely opposite reputations. Some authors (and states) list the tiny watermelon-looking fruit as toxic (extremely purgative) while others say it's a safe and tasty addition to salads. The disparity seems to be related to the degree of ripeness of the fruit. The green fruit has a crisp, cucumber-like taste and is safe to eat while the ripe black fruit may have a laxative effect if eaten in quantity. The tiny flowers are about 10mm across and the fruit 20mm. This one lives at Frenchman's Forest Natural Area in Palm Beach County. Here is lots more information: www.eattheweeds.com/creeping-cucumber-melothria-pendula/
Original URLhttp://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7307065064_d11562bef7_o.jpg
photographerBob Peterson
providerFlickr: EOL Images
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith