Cucumis metuliferus
Cucumis metuliferus is an annual vine in the cucumber and melon family Cucurbitaceae. It is also known by the names African horned cucumber, horned melon, spiked melon, jelly melon, and kiwano. The name “horned melon” originates from the fruit’s horn-like spines. The flesh of the ripe fruit is lime green and jelly-like, with an orange peel. Native to Southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Angola, is C. metuliferus.
In Africa, kiwano is a traditional food plant. In the Kalahari Desert during the dry season, it is one of the few sources of water, along with the gemsbok cucumber (Acanthosicyos naudinianus) and tsamma (citron melon).It’s known as gaka or gakachika in the northern part of Zimbabwe, where it’s usually eaten as a salad or snack rather than as adornment. It is suitable for eating at any