Identifying a Spiny Cucumber-Like Vine: Dudaim Melon

A gardener described a vine with small round leaves, long growth, sharp spines on stems—no flowers yet after 3 months.

ID: Dudaim Melon (Cucumis melo var. dudaim)

• Also called **smell melon** or **musk melon**.
• Bad weed for cantaloupe growers (cross-pollinates).
• Will develop **yellow flowers** and **small yellow-orange fruit**.
• Historically used in perfumery (smells better than it tastes).

Follow-Up

Photo later confirmed the ID. Male flowers appear first (drop off), then females set fruit. Expect the characteristic melons soon.