Cucumis Metuliferus * African Horned Jelly Melon * Kiwano * 20 Fresh Seeds *

THIS LISTING IS FOR 20 SEEDS OF CUCUMIS METULIFERUS A true oddity, from its knobby orange skin to its bright green flesh. Tastes somewhat like a cucumber but when sugar is added to the watery flesh, a sweet treat is the result. Related to watermelons and cantaloupes, the horned melon is a vining plant, easily grown in a warm summer garden. The kiwano, spine pickle or horned melon is a herbaceous plant from Africa, which also performs well as an annual plant in temperate climates. It’s not a relative of the kiwi (such as the name suggests), but of the cucumber. However, the species has been introduced on the market by New Zealand, which is why the Kiwano can be seen as a trade name. The flesh of the spine fruit is green and watery, and tastes like a blend of banana, cucumber and lemon. The fruits can be eaten fresh, but it is recommended to add some salt or sugar to enforce the flavour. Only a moisty and well-drained soil is required for good growth. When the fruits are ripe, they have an orange colour. Requires a rich, well-drained moisture retentive soil and a very warm, sunny sheltered position. A frost-tender plant, the horned cucumber is frequently cultivated for its fruit in tropical and sub-tropical climates.