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{{Short description|Vine in the cucumber and melon family}}
{{italic title}}
{{speciesbox
{{taxobox
|name = Horned melon
|name = Horned melon
|image = Kiwano 2009.jpg
|image = Cucumis metuliferus fruit - whole and cross section.jpg
⚫
|image_caption = ''Cucumis metuliferus'' fruits
|image_width = 235px
|image2 =
⚫
|image_caption = ''Cucumis metuliferus'' fruit
|image2_alt =
|regnum = [[Plant]]ae
|status =
|unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
|status_system =
|unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
⚫
|genus = Cucumis
|unranked_ordo = [[Rosids]]
⚫
|species = metuliferus
|ordo = [[Cucurbitales]]
|familia = [[Cucurbitaceae]]
|authority = [[E. Meyerson|E. Mey]]
⚫
}}
⚫
|genus = ''[[Cucumis]]''
⚫
|species = '''''C. metuliferus'''''
|binomial = ''Cucumis metuliferus''
|binomial_authority = [[E. Meyerson|E. Mey]]
⚫
|}}
{{nutritionalvalue | name=Horned Melon, raw | kJ=183| water=88.97 g | protein=1.78 g | fat=1.26 g | ash=0.44 g | carbs=7.56 g | | calcium_mg=13 | iron_mg=1.13 | magnesium_mg=40 | phosphorus_mg=37 | potassium_mg=123 | sodium_mg=2 | zinc_mg=0.48 | copper_mg=0.020 | manganese_mg=0.039 | vitC_mg=5.3 | thiamin_mg=0.025 | riboflavin_mg=0.015 | niacin_mg=0.565 | pantothenic_mg=0.183 | vitB6_mg=0.063 | folate_ug=3 | vitA_ug=7 | betacarotene_ug=88 | | note=[http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/search/list?qlookup=09451&format=Full Link to USDA Database entry] | source_usda=1 }}


{{nutritionalvalue
⚫
'''''Cucumis metuliferus''''', '''horned melon''' or '''kiwano''', also '''African horned cucumber''' or '''melon''', '''jelly melon''', '''hedged gourd''', '''melano''', in the southeastern United States, '''blowfish fruit''', is an annual [[vine]] in the [[cucumber]] and [[melon]] family, ''[[Cucurbitaceae]]''. Its [[fruit]] has [[horn (anatomy)|horn]]-like [[spine (botany)|spines]], hence the name "horned melon". Ripe fruit has yellow-orange skin and lime green, jelly-like flesh with a tart taste, and [[texture (food)|texture]] similar to a cucumber. ''C. metuliferus'' is native to [[Africa]], and is now grown in [[California]], [[Mississippi]], [[Chile]], [[Australia]], and [[New Zealand]].
| name = Horned Melon, raw
| kJ = 183
| water = 88.97 g
| protein = 1.78 g
| fat = 1.26 g
| ash = 0.44 g
| carbs = 7.56 g|
| calcium_mg = 13
| iron_mg = 1.13
| magnesium_mg = 40
| phosphorus_mg = 37
| potassium_mg = 123
| sodium_mg = 2
| zinc_mg = 0.48
| copper_mg = 0.020
| manganese_mg = 0.039
| vitC_mg = 5.3
| thiamin_mg = 0.025
| riboflavin_mg = 0.015
| niacin_mg = 0.565
| pantothenic_mg = 0.183
| vitB6_mg = 0.063
| folate_ug = 3
| vitA_ug = 7
| betacarotene_ug = 88|
| note = [https://web.archive.org/web/20180202012414/https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/search/list?qlookup=09451&format=Full Link to USDA Database entry]
| source_usda = 1
}}


⚫
'''''Cucumis metuliferus''''' commonly called the '''African horned cucumber''' (shortened to '''horned cucumber'''), '''horned melon''', '''spiked melon''', '''jelly melon''', or '''kiwano''', is an annual [[vine]] in the [[cucumber]] and [[melon]] family [[Cucurbitaceae]]. Its [[fruit]] has [[horn (anatomy)|horn]]-like [[spine (botany)|spines]], hence the name "horned melon". The ripe fruit has orange skin and lime-green, jelly-like flesh. ''C. metuliferus'' is native to [[Southern Africa]],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Welman|first1=Mienkie|title=Cucumis metuliferus|url=http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/cucumismet.htm|website=PlantZAfrica.com|publisher=South African National Biodiversity Institute|access-date=7 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="seattletimes" /> in [[South Africa]], [[Namibia]], [[Botswana]], [[Zambia]], [[Malawi]], [[Zimbabwe]], [[Mozambique]], and [[Angola]].
''C. metuliferus'' is a traditional food plant in Africa, and has potential to improve nutrition and food security, foster rural development and support sustainable land use.<ref>{{cite book |authorlink= |author=National Research Council |editor= |others= |title=Lost Crops of Africa: Volume III: Fruits |url=http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11879 |accessdate=2008-07-17 |edition= |series=Lost Crops of Africa |volume=3 |date=2008-01-25 |publisher=National Academies Press |location= |isbn=978-0-309-10596-5 |oclc= |doi= |id= |pages= |chapter=Horned Melon |chapterurl=http://books.nap.eduh /openbook.php?record_id=11879&page=89 |quote= |ref= }}</ref>{{failed verification|date=September 2011}} Along with the Gemsbok cucumber (''[[Acanthosicyos naudinianus]])'', it is the only source of water during the dry season in the [[Kalahari Desert]].<ref name="setvkhalagadi">{{fr icon}} ''Parc de Khal-agadi, pas si désert'', in [[Science & Vie]] n° 1130, November 2011, pp. 18-21.</ref> In [[Zimbabwe]] it is called ''gaka'' or ''gakachika'', and is primarily used as a snack or salad, and rarely for decoration. It can be eaten at any stage of ripening, but when overripened, will burst forcefully to release seeds.<ref>"[http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dehisce]"</ref>


== Consumption and other uses ==
The fruit's taste has been compared to a combination of cucumber and [[zucchini]]<ref>"[http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20060222&slug=hornedmelon22 Kiwano: It's what's inside that counts]", ''The Seattle Times''.</ref> or a combination of [[banana]], cucumber and [[lemon]].<ref>"[http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695254222,00.html Let's discover some more little-known fruits]", ''Deseret News''.</ref> It is also said to taste like an unripe, watered-down banana. A small amount of salt or sugar can increase the flavor. Some also eat the peel, which is very rich in [[vitamin C]] and [[dietary fiber]].{{Citation needed|date = January 2014}} The fruit can be used in cooking, but when eaten raw, most suck out the pulp and spit out the seeds.
Kiwano is a traditional food plant in Africa. Along with the gemsbok cucumber (''[[Acanthosicyos naudinianus]]'') and ''tsamma'' ([[citron melon]]), it is one of the few sources of water during the dry season in the [[Kalahari Desert]].<ref name="setvkhalagadi">{{in lang|fr}} ''Parc de Khal-agadi, pas si désert'', in [[Science & Vie]] n° 1130, November 2011, pp. 18–21.</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Ben-Erik Van Wyk |date=2000 |title=People's Plants: A guide to useful plants of southern Africa |url=http://www.briza.co.za/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=124 |location=South Africa |publisher=Briza Publications |page=38 |isbn=978-1-875093-19-9 |access-date=2015-01-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626102929/http://www.briza.co.za/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=124 |archive-date=2015-06-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In northern Zimbabwe, it is called ''gaka'' or ''gakachika'',<ref>{{Cite book|title = Edible Medicinal And Non-Medicinal Plants: Volume 2, Fruits|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=6fJyQDil1rYC&pg=PA235|publisher = Springer Science & Business Media|date = 2012-01-30|isbn = 9789400717633|language = en|first = T. K.|last = Lim}}</ref> and is primarily used as a snack or salad, and rarely for decoration. It can be eaten at any stage of ripening.


'''''C. metuliferus''''' may be used as a [[rootstock]] (via grafting) for [[melon]] to prevent both growth reduction and a strong [[nematode]] buildup in '''''M. incognita'''''-infested soil.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Sigüenza |first1=Concepcion |last2=Schochow |first2=Martin |last3=Turini |first3=Tom |last4=Ploeg |first4=Antoon |title=Use of Cucumis metuliferus as a Rootstock for Melon to Manage Meloidogyne incognita |journal=Journal of Nematology |date=2005 |volume=37 |issue=3 |pages=276–280 |issn=0022-300X |pmc=2620981 |pmid=19262873 }}</ref>
Despite the fruit's colorful appearance, it has not found any significant uses in [[European cuisine|Western cuisine]], and has been called "astringent", and the prices "exorbitant".<ref>{{cite book |author=Elizabeth Schneider |title=Vegetables from Amaranth to Zucchini |publisher=William Morrow |isbn=0-688-15260-0 |page=345}}</ref>


The fruit's taste has been compared to a combination of banana and [[passionfruit]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://enzedexotics.com/2019/03/25/what-does-kiwano-taste-like/|title=What does kiwano taste like?}}</ref> cucumber and zucchini<ref name="seattletimes">{{cite web|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20060222/hornedmelon22/kiwano-its-whats-inside-that-counts|title=Living - Kiwano: It's what's inside that counts - Seattle Times Newspaper|work=nwsource.com}}</ref> or a combination of [[banana]], cucumber and [[Lime (fruit)|lime]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695254222,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226181024/http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695254222,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 26, 2008|title=The Dinner Diva: Let's discover some more little-known fruits|date=21 February 2008|work=DeseretNews.com}}</ref> A small amount of salt or sugar can increase the flavor, but the seed content can make eating the fruit less convenient than many common fruits.
⚫
== Gallery ==

<gallery>
Some also eat the peel, which is very rich in [[vitamin C]] and [[dietary fiber]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Mountain Herb Estate - VEGETABLE - CUCUMBER, AFRICAN HORNED, Jelly Melon, Kiwano, Rooi-agurkie, Rooikomkommer (Afr.), Mokapana (Tswana) (Cucumis metuliferus)|url = http://www.herbgarden.co.za/mountainherb/herbinfo.php?id=366|website = www.herbgarden.co.za|access-date = 2015-06-07}}</ref>
⚫
Image:Zeleno.jpg|

⚫
Image:Owoce Kiwano.jpg|
==Germination==
⚫
Image:Kiwano.jpg|
[[Germination]] is optimal between 20 and 35°C. [[Germination]] is delayed at 12°C, totally inhibits at seed stratification, and greatly inhibits above 35°C. [[Salinity]] increases the time required for full germination. The sowing dates greatly influence fruit yield and [[flowering]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Benzioni |first1=A. |last2=Mendlinger |first2=S. |last3=Ventura |first3=M. |last4=Huyskens |first4=S. |date=1991-08-01 |title=Effect of Sowing Dates, Temperatures on Germination, Flowering, and Yield of Cucumis metuliferus |url=https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/26/8/article-p1051.xml |journal=HortScience |language=en-US |volume=26 |issue=8 |pages=1051–1053 |doi=10.21273/HORTSCI.26.8.1051 |issn=0018-5345}}</ref>
Image:Kiwano.JPG|

⚫
Image:Kiwanov.jpg|
==Pests and diseases==
Kiwano is resistant to several root-knot nematodes; two accessions were found to be highly resistant to [[watermelon mosaic virus]], but very sensitive to the [[squash mosaic virus]]. Some accessions were found to succumb to [[Fusarium wilt|''Fusarium'' wilt]]. Resistance to [[greenhouse whitefly]] was reported. Kiwano was reported to be resistant to [[powdery mildew]], but in Israel, powdery mildew and squash mosaic virus attacked kiwano fields and control measures had to be taken.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benzioni|first1=Aliza|title=Kiwano|url=http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/cropfactsheets/kiwano.html|website=www.hort.purdue.edu|publisher=Purdue University|access-date=3 June 2015}}</ref>

== Fruit Development ==
During 28 days of development on the plant, fresh weight, [[Electrical resistivity and conductivity|electrical conductivity]] and titratable acidity of fruits do not change, [[pH]] rises and then falls, and concentrations of [[Reducing sugar|reducing sugars]] and total soluble solids increases. In the same period, peel colour changes from green through whitish green to yellow and finally to orange, and the [[pigment]] profile shows a decline in pigments absorbing at 431 and 663 nm, and a rapid increase in those absorbing at 442 and 470 nm.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Mendlinger |first1=S. |last2=Benzioni |first2=A. |last3=Huyskens |first3=S. |last4=Ventura |first4=M. |title=Fruit development and postharvest physiology of Cucumis metuliferus Mey., a new crop plant |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00221589.1992.11516274 |journal=Journal of Horticultural Science |date=1992 |language=en |volume=67 |issue=4 |pages=489–493 |doi=10.1080/00221589.1992.11516274 |issn=0022-1589 |access-date=26 August 2024}}</ref>

⚫
==Gallery==
<gallery mode='packed'>
⚫
Zeleno.jpg|
⚫
Owoce Kiwano.jpg|
Cucumis metuliferus whole fruit.jpg|
⚫
Kiwano.JPG|
⚫
Kiwanov.jpg|
Cucumis metuliferus fruit cross section.jpg|
</gallery>
</gallery>


== References ==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|2}}


== External links ==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Cucumis metuliferus}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}
{{WestAfricanPlants|Cucumis metuliferus}}
{{WestAfricanPlants|Cucumis metuliferus}}


{{Melons}}
{{Melons}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q41318}}


[[Category:Cucurbitaceae]]
[[Category:Cucumis|metuliferus]]
[[Category:Desert fruit]]
[[Category:Desert fruits]]
[[Category:Fruits originating in Africa]]
[[Category:Melons]]
[[Category:Melons]]

Latest revision as of 02:59, 13 November 2024

Horned melon
Cucumis metuliferus fruits
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Cucurbitales
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Cucumis
Species:
C. metuliferus
Binomial name
Cucumis metuliferus
Horned Melon, raw
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy183 kJ (44 kcal)
7.56 g
1.26 g
1.78 g
Vitamins and minerals
VitaminsQuantity
%DV†
Vitamin A equiv.
1%
7 μg
1%
88 μg
Thiamine (B1)
2%
0.025 mg
Riboflavin (B2)
1%
0.015 mg
Niacin (B3)
4%
0.565 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5)
4%
0.183 mg
Vitamin B6
4%
0.063 mg
Folate (B9)
1%
3 μg
Vitamin C
6%
5.3 mg
MineralsQuantity
%DV†
Calcium
1%
13 mg
Copper
2%
0.020 mg
Iron
6%
1.13 mg
Magnesium
10%
40 mg
Manganese
2%
0.039 mg
Phosphorus
3%
37 mg
Potassium
4%
123 mg
Sodium
0%
2 mg
Zinc
4%
0.48 mg
Other constituentsQuantity
Water88.97 g
Link to USDA Database entry
†Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults,[1] except for potassium, which is estimated based on expert recommendation from the National Academies.[2]

Cucumis metuliferus commonly called the African horned cucumber (shortened to horned cucumber), horned melon, spiked melon, jelly melon, or kiwano, is an annual vine in the cucumber and melon family Cucurbitaceae. Its fruit has horn-like spines, hence the name "horned melon". The ripe fruit has orange skin and lime-green, jelly-like flesh. C. metuliferus is native to Southern Africa,[3][4] in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Angola.

Consumption and other uses

[edit]

Kiwano is a traditional food plant in Africa. Along with the gemsbok cucumber (Acanthosicyos naudinianus) and tsamma (citron melon), it is one of the few sources of water during the dry season in the Kalahari Desert.[5][6] In northern Zimbabwe, it is called gaka or gakachika,[7] and is primarily used as a snack or salad, and rarely for decoration. It can be eaten at any stage of ripening.

C. metuliferus may be used as a rootstock (via grafting) for melon to prevent both growth reduction and a strong nematode buildup in M. incognita-infested soil.[8]

The fruit's taste has been compared to a combination of banana and passionfruit,[9] cucumber and zucchini[4] or a combination of banana, cucumber and lime.[10] A small amount of salt or sugar can increase the flavor, but the seed content can make eating the fruit less convenient than many common fruits.

Some also eat the peel, which is very rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber.[11]

Germination

[edit]

Germination is optimal between 20 and 35°C. Germination is delayed at 12°C, totally inhibits at seed stratification, and greatly inhibits above 35°C. Salinity increases the time required for full germination. The sowing dates greatly influence fruit yield and flowering.[12]

Pests and diseases

[edit]

Kiwano is resistant to several root-knot nematodes; two accessions were found to be highly resistant to watermelon mosaic virus, but very sensitive to the squash mosaic virus. Some accessions were found to succumb to Fusarium wilt. Resistance to greenhouse whitefly was reported. Kiwano was reported to be resistant to powdery mildew, but in Israel, powdery mildew and squash mosaic virus attacked kiwano fields and control measures had to be taken.[13]

Fruit Development

[edit]

During 28 days of development on the plant, fresh weight, electrical conductivity and titratable acidity of fruits do not change, pH rises and then falls, and concentrations of reducing sugars and total soluble solids increases. In the same period, peel colour changes from green through whitish green to yellow and finally to orange, and the pigment profile shows a decline in pigments absorbing at 431 and 663 nm, and a rapid increase in those absorbing at 442 and 470 nm.[14]

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ United States Food and Drug Administration (2024). "Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels". FDA. Archived from the original on 2024-03-27. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  2. ^ National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Food and Nutrition Board; Committee to Review the Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium (2019). "Chapter 4: Potassium: Dietary Reference Intakes for Adequacy". In Oria, Maria; Harrison, Meghan; Stallings, Virginia A. (eds.). Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. The National Academies Collection: Reports funded by National Institutes of Health. Washington, DC: National Academies Press (US). pp. 120–121. doi:10.17226/25353. ISBN 978-0-309-48834-1. PMID 30844154. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  3. ^ Welman, Mienkie. "Cucumis metuliferus". PlantZAfrica.com. South African National Biodiversity Institute. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  4. ^ a b "Living - Kiwano: It's what's inside that counts - Seattle Times Newspaper". nwsource.com.
  5. ^ (in French) Parc de Khal-agadi, pas si désert, in Science & Vie n° 1130, November 2011, pp. 18–21.
  6. ^ Ben-Erik Van Wyk (2000). People's Plants: A guide to useful plants of southern Africa. South Africa: Briza Publications. p. 38. ISBN 978-1-875093-19-9. Archived from the original on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 2015-01-10.
  7. ^ Lim, T. K. (2012-01-30). Edible Medicinal And Non-Medicinal Plants: Volume 2, Fruits. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 9789400717633.
  8. ^ Sigüenza, Concepcion; Schochow, Martin; Turini, Tom; Ploeg, Antoon (2005). "Use of Cucumis metuliferus as a Rootstock for Melon to Manage Meloidogyne incognita". Journal of Nematology. 37 (3): 276–280. ISSN 0022-300X. PMC 2620981. PMID 19262873.
  9. ^ "What does kiwano taste like?".
  10. ^ "The Dinner Diva: Let's discover some more little-known fruits". DeseretNews.com. 21 February 2008. Archived from the original on February 26, 2008.
  11. ^ "Mountain Herb Estate - VEGETABLE - CUCUMBER, AFRICAN HORNED, Jelly Melon, Kiwano, Rooi-agurkie, Rooikomkommer (Afr.), Mokapana (Tswana) (Cucumis metuliferus)". www.herbgarden.co.za. Retrieved 2015-06-07.
  12. ^ Benzioni, A.; Mendlinger, S.; Ventura, M.; Huyskens, S. (1991-08-01). "Effect of Sowing Dates, Temperatures on Germination, Flowering, and Yield of Cucumis metuliferus". HortScience. 26 (8): 1051–1053. doi:10.21273/HORTSCI.26.8.1051. ISSN 0018-5345.
  13. ^ Benzioni, Aliza. "Kiwano". www.hort.purdue.edu. Purdue University. Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  14. ^ Mendlinger, S.; Benzioni, A.; Huyskens, S.; Ventura, M. (1992). "Fruit development and postharvest physiology of Cucumis metuliferus Mey., a new crop plant". Journal of Horticultural Science. 67 (4): 489–493. doi:10.1080/00221589.1992.11516274. ISSN 0022-1589. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
[edit]
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