This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Uses

Toxic parts

The sprouting seed produces a toxic substance in its embryo[1].

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw or cooked[2]. The fruits are small and smooth, either oval or cylindrical in shape with a mealy, somewhat insipid or slightly sour flesh[2]. They are eaten when young and still tender, either raw or cooked as a vegetable. Ripe fruits are used for dessert[2].

Seed - raw[3][4][5]. Rich in oil with a nutty flavour but very fiddly to use because the seed is small and covered with a fibrous coat[K]. The seed contains between 12.5 - 39.1% oil[6].

An edible oil is obtained from the seed[5][2].

Fruit

Unknown part

Oil

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Cucumis melo momordica.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The fruits can be used as a cooling light cleanser or moisturiser for the skin[7]. They are also used as a first aid treatment for burns and abrasions[7].

The flowers are expectorant and emetic[6]. The fruit is stomachic[6]. The seed is antitussive, digestive, febrifuge and vermifuge[6]. When used as a vermifuge, the whole seed complete with the seed coat is ground into a fine flour, then made into an emulsion with water and eaten. It is then necessary to take a purge in order to expel the tapeworms or other parasites from the body[8].

The root is diuretic and emetic[6].
There are no medicinal uses listed for Cucumis melo momordica.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Climber

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow early to mid spring in a greenhouse in a rich soil. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. Sow 2 or 3 seeds per pot and thin out to the best plant. Grow them on fast and plant out after the last expected frosts, giving them cloche or frame protection for at least their first few weeks if you are trying them outdoors.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Cucumis melo momordica. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a rich, well-drained moisture retentive soil and a warm, very sunny position[9].

A frost-tender annual plant, the snap melon is occasionally cultivated, especially in warmer climates than Britain, for its edible fruit. This form is also of value in breeding programmes for pest and disease resistance. Some varieties may succeed outdoors in Britain in hot summers but in general it is best to grow melons under protection in this country[10][9].

Grows well with corn and sunflowers but dislikes potatoes[11][7]. The weeds fat hen and sow thistle improve the growth and cropping of melons[7].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Cucumis melo momordica. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Cucumis melo momordica.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Cucumis melo momordica
Genus
Cucumis
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
10
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.4 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Schery. R. W. Plants for Man. ()
    4. ? 4.04.1 Organ. J. Gourds. Faber (1963-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.6 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.4 Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (1993-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    10. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    11. ? Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)