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cucumeropsis

Scientific Name: Cucumeropsis

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cucumeropsis mannii

Cucumeropsis mannii, also known as Mann's cucumeropsis, is a melon species with edible seeds, primarily cultivated in West and Central Africa.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant produces fruits and seeds.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant produces fruits and seeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin
  • Family: Cucurbitaceae
  • Synonyms: Cucumeropsis edulis (Hook.f.) Cogn.
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Protologue: Ann. Sci. Nat., sr. 5, 5: 30 (1866).

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to tropical Africa, west of the East African Rift.
  • Specifically found from Guinea-Bissau to Southern Sudan, Uganda, and Angola.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Described as a cucumber-like plant.
  • Bears edible fruits approximately one foot in length and three inches in diameter (referring to Cucumeropsis edulis which is a synonym).

Genetic Information

  • Chromosome number: 2n = 22

Traditional and Current Uses

  • Grown for its seeds, which are used for food and as a source of oil.
  • Seeds are prized for their oleaginous properties and nutritional value.
  • Historically an important seed vegetable in West and Central Africa, especially with shifting cultivation practices.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Susceptible to a virus that causes severe mosaic disease.

Further Information

  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (K) Herbarium.
  • The PLANTS Database (NRCS).
  • WCSP (World Checklist of Selected Plant Families) database.