Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis): Bitter Desert Vine

Colocynth, also called egusi or bitter apple, is a perennial, trailing vine with deeply lobed, rough leaves and solitary, yellow, five-petaled flowers. It produces spherical, green-striped fruits that turn yellow when ripe. The pulp is extremely bitter and toxic.

Botanical Profile

Native to arid regions of Africa and Asia, this plant thrives in full sun, heat, and sandy soil. It's extremely drought-tolerant. The seeds are edible when processed (egusi) and used in African cuisine. The plant has medicinal uses but is highly toxic if misused.