Creeping Cucumber (Melothria pendula): Edible Vine with Cucumber-Flavored Fruit

Creeping Cucumber (Melothria pendula): Edible Vine with Cucumber-Flavored Fruit

A gardener in Alabama described a vine with sycamore-like leaves, small yellow flowers, and green pea-sized berries that turn black. The green berries smell like cucumber and resemble tiny watermelons; when cut open, they are full of seeds, becoming pulpy when black. The vine climbs or grows horizontally in morning sun and afternoon shade.

Expert Identification

The plant is creeping cucumber, also known as Guadeloupe cucumber (Melothria pendula). The green fruit is edible and tastes like cucumber, but the ripe black fruit becomes slightly purgative. The vine is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and serves as animal fodder. It is highly sensitive to glyphosate herbicides; if spraying isn't possible, the herbicide can be painted on the leaves or the vines pulled before fruit matures.

Melothria