Horned melon is an orange fruit with spikes on the outer surface and green jelly pulp in the inside with plenty of edible seeds. Jelly melon growing is that easy. The thorn melon, also known as kiwano melon, jelly melon or horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus) is an annual vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Horned Melons are randomly spawning fruits that spawn in groups of four, and are the third most valuable fruit in TreeLands. 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. Horned Melons can be found on the ground of Jungle Biomes. Horned Melon Part Two, or 'Everything But the Horns' By greene on February 27, 2015. Its fruit has horn-like spines, hence the name "horned melon". "[8] 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. Often known by its nickname in the southeastern United States - blowfish fruit - it is grown for its fruit, which looks like an oval melon with horn-like spines. Cucumis metuliferus The plant African Horned cucumber, also called jelly melon or blowfish fruit is a half-hardy annual vine, which is easy to grow. Qty. It’s formally known as Cucumis metuliferus but informally also goes by horned melon … Josh Byrne has an African horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus). The African horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus), also known as horned cucumber, kiwano and melano) is a cucurbit fruit with an yellow-orange exterior with thick blunt spines and a green, gelatinous pulp embedding the many seeds. Cut back on watering as the fruit ripens to improve the flavor of the kiwano fruit. Companion Vegetables. It is native to the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa. Prepare the soil ahead of time by digging in a few inches of manure or compost, as well as an application of balanced garden fertilizer. Vigorous annual herb with climbing or prostrate stems, having solitary, simple tendrils 4–10.5 cm long; root system strong, fibrous; stems reaching several m in length, grooved, with long stiff spreading hairs. Plant horned melon seeds to a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch. Also known as jelly melon, Kiwano horned fruit (Cucumis metuliferus) is an odd-looking, exotic fruit with a spiky, yellow-orange rind and jelly-like, lime-green flesh. [1] C. metuliferus is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. Add to Cart. Today it is grown for its ornamental and edible fruits all over the world including New Zeeland where it was registered under the trademark Kiwano. English: African horned cucumber, Horned melon, Jelly melon; Afrikaans: ... Plants of the World online ID: urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:116468-3 IRMNG ID: 10596569. Horned Melon is an annual vine belonging to the melon and cucumber family. When temperatures are consistently above 75 F. (23-24 C.), the jelly melon plants benefit from a 1-2 inch layer of organic mulch, which will conserve moisture and keep weeds in check. Some people think the flavor is similar to a banana, while others compare it to lime, kiwi or cucumber. Plant Sister is at it again, using almost every part of something as food. Water the area immediately after planting, then keep the soil slightly moist, but never soggy. The exotic Kiwano fruit (Cucumis metuliferus) has tart sweet flesh tasting somewhat like a mix of lemon and banana. The fruits start out small and green, covered with horns. The jelly melon also grows in disturbed areas and abandoned land. Kiwano horned fruit is native to the hot, dry climates of central and southern Africa. It can be eaten at any stage of ripening, but when overripe, it will burst forcefully to release seeds. Horned melon, kiwano, African horned cucumber is a tropical exotic plant that is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. This family also includes cucumber, melon, pumpkin, butternut squash, bottle gourds, ash gourd, and watermelons. The young fruit is similar in color to the leaves, so it can be hard to spot and may come as a surprise while you are weeding or re-tying the vines. Kiwano is a traditional food plant in Africa. kiwano … Die Horngurke oder Hornmelone (Cucumis metuliferus) ist eine Pflanzenart aus der Familie der Kürbisgewächse (Cucurbitaceae). At this point, it’s best to water lightly and evenly, as excessive or sporadic watering may cause the melons to split. The green, slightly gelatinous flesh can be used in fruit salads and desserts for a … Sign up for our newsletter. How to Eat a Kiwano (Horned Melon). It is now grown in the United States, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. Other possible designations are African cucumber, African horned cucum- ber, African horned melon, bitter wild cucumber, horned cucumber, horned melon, jelly melon, spiny cucumber, or … Leave 18 to 24 inches between groups of two or three seeds. Kiwano horned fruit is native to the hot, dry climates of central and southern Africa. [4][5] In northern Zimbabwe it is called gaka or gakachika,[6] and is primarily used as a snack or salad, and rarely for decoration. Kiwano Horned melon Horned Melon is exotic, with its marvelous taste and unique appearance. C. metuliferus is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. Allow at least 18 inches between each group. Kiwano horned fruit performs best in full sunlight and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Allow about six feet of space between rows. This species of plant is believed to be the ancestor of many other cultivated melons. When ripe, the Kiwano Melon has yellow-orange skin and lime green, jelly-like flesh. Germination is delayed at 12 °C (54 °F), and inhibited at temperatures lower than 12 °C or above 35 °C. [2][3] It is now grown in the United States, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. And there you have it. Kiwano is the common name of the Cucumis metuliferus E. Meyer ex Naudin species. Its fruit has horn-like spines, hence the name "horned melon". 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