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cyclanthera

Scientific Name: Cyclanthera pedata var. pedata

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Achocha (Cyclanthera pedata)

Cyclanthera pedata, also known as Achocha, Caigua, or Lady's Slipper, is a herbaceous vine prized for its edible fruit. It's a member of the Cucurbitaceae (cucumber) family.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is a vine, and pets may be tempted to play with or chew on its foliage.
  • The fruits are small and hollow, potentially posing a choking hazard for smaller animals.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is a vine, which might entice children to play around or climb on it, depending on its support structure.
  • The fruits are small and vaguely cucumber/asparagus-flavored and are eaten raw or stuffed.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Cyclanthera pedata (L.) Schrad.
  • Family: Cucurbitaceae
  • Synonyms: Momordica pedata
  • Other Names: Quechua names kaywa or achuqcha
  • Varieties: Cyclanthera pedata var. edulis (Naudin) Cogn.
  • International Plant Names Index: Cyclanthera pedata Schrad.

Common Names

  • Achocha
  • Caigua
  • Kaywa
  • Achuqcha
  • Lady's Slipper
  • Slipper Gd
  • Sparrow Gd
  • Stuffing Cucumber
  • Wild Cucumber
  • Caihua
  • Caygua
  • Cayua
  • Korila

Distribution and Habitat

Cyclanthera pedata originates from the lower Andes of South America. It is now cultivated in many tropical regions and can also be found as an escapee from cultivation. It is known to grow outdoors in the UK.

Morphology and Growth

  • It is an annual vine that can grow up to 4.5 meters (approximately 14 feet 9 inches).
  • The fruits are slipper-shaped, crispy, and succulent.
  • It flowers from August to September.
  • Fruits grow singly.
  • The fruits are described as having a smooth skin.

Ecological Role

The text mentions the species can be found as an escapee from cultivation, suggesting it can naturalize outside of its intended growing area.

Seeds

The seeds of Cyclanthera pedata may exhibit physiological dormancy, requiring specific conditions to germinate.

Interactions with other organisms

  • Cyclanthera explodens is a relative of Cyclanthera pedata that has spiny green fruits that burst open when ripe, expelling their seeds.

Quirky Facts

  • The fruits are described as vaguely cucumber/asparagus-flavored and are eaten like pepper pods.
  • The plant has "a ridiculous pile of common names."

Related Species

  • Cyclanthera brachystachya
  • Cyclanthera explodens
  • Cyclanthera dissecta

Further Information

  • Raintree Online Plant Database
  • Wikimedia Commons
  • Wikispecies
  • International Plant Names Index