Cucumis metuliferus (African Horned Melon) is a vigorous growing edible plant native to the sub-Saharan desert in Africa. Its oval shaped yellow fruits are described as a mix between and a banana and a passionfruit. Extremely drought-tolerant and easy to grow the Kiwano can start fruiting in around 4 months from seed.
Other common names include Kiwano, African Cucumber, Blowfish Fruit and Horned Melon.
Growth
Cucumis metuliferus is an annual climber that reaches the modest height of 1.5 metres (5 feet). African Horned Melons enjoy a warm climates that have an extended dry season. Seeds germinate easily but a high percentage is achieved when kept at temperatures are between 20° and 35 °C (68° to 95 °F). If started indoors it is recommended that transplanting waits until daytime temperatures exceed 15 °C (59 °F). Near Melbourne, we sow around mid to late September and by around January / February the fruits are ready for harvest.
The ripe fruit has orange skin and lime-green flesh that is like jelly. They have horn-like spikes that are easily brushed off when preparing them to eat.
After harvesting, our plants get pulled out of the ground and chopped up. Sounds awful but otherwise they would endure a slow freezing death as autumn turns to winter. The chopped stems and leaves make an excellent addition to the compost heap.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Cucurbitaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Mediterranean, Sub Tropical & Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
15 to 45°C / 59 to 113°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining dry soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.5 metres (5 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium-High
POLLINATION:
Self Pollinating.
MATURITY:
14- 18 weeks
GERMINATION RATES:
80-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 30 seeds
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Store a 4°C (fridge) for 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT CUCUMIS METULIFERUS (African Horned Melon)
Upon tasting it for the first time on-air in 1987, David Letterman described it as “damned near inedible.”
The peel is a rich source of Vitamin C and dietary fiber but there are tastier ways to reach your daily requirements.
African Horned Melons have a high water content and provides several electrolytes that are necessary for staying hydrated.
