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cyclanthera

Scientific Name: Cyclanthera pedata

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Achocha (Cyclanthera pedata)

Cyclanthera pedata, commonly known as Achocha, Caigua, or Kaywa (Quechua), is a herbaceous vine cultivated for its edible fruit. It is sometimes referred to as Stuffing Cucumber, Lady's Slipper, or Slipper Gd.

Considerations for Pets

  • Cyclanthera pedata is a vine, and vines can sometimes present a hazard to pets if ingested or if they become entangled.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cyclanthera pedata (L.) Schrad.
  • Family: Cucurbitaceae (Gourd Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Momordica pedata
  • Varieties: Cyclanthera pedata var. edulis (Naudin) Cogn.
  • Alternative Scientific Names: The text refers to the International Plant Names Index as Cyclanthera pedata Schrad.
  • Note: The genus is written as Cyclanthera Schrad., Index Sem. (Gottingen) 1831: 2. (1831)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cyclanthera pedata originates from the lower Andes region of South America.
  • It is now known as a cultivated plant or as an escape from cultivation.
  • It is grown in the tropics and is also reportedly easy to grow outdoors in the UK (hardy to zone 10).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cyclanthera pedata is an annual vine that can grow up to 4.5 meters (approximately 14 feet 9 inches) in length.
  • It flowers from August to September.
  • The fruit is described as having a smooth skin and being slipper-shaped.

Quirky Facts

  • The fruits are described as vaguely cucumber/asparagus-flavored and are eaten raw or stuffed.
  • One source mentions another species, Cyclanthera explodens, which has spiny fruits that "explode" when ripe, expelling their seeds.

Ecological Role

  • The genus Cyclanthera has about 35 species distributed from the USA south

Further Information

  • Raintree Online Plant Database.
  • Wikimedia Commons.
  • Wikispecies.
  • The Plant List.