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American melonleaf

Scientific Name: Cayaponia americana

Family: Cucurbitaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cayaponia americana (American Melonleaf)

Cayaponia americana, commonly known as American Melonleaf, is a perennial vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cayaponia americana (Lam.) Cogn.
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Family: Cucurbitaceae
  • Common Name: American Melonleaf

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habit

  • Duration: Perennial
  • Growth Habit: Vine, Forb/herb
  • Structure: Vine

Distribution and Habitat

  • It has been found in locations like Miami-Dade County, Florida.
  • Observed in canopy gaps in rockland hammock.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The plant is a host for the Melon Leaf Miner, Liriomyza pictella.
  • Studies suggest that bitter melon leaf extract has inhibitory effects on Propionibacterium acnes-induced skin inflammation.

Quirky Facts

  • Ellsworth Kelly created a series of plant lithographs (1964-66), including one titled "Melon Leaf (Feuille de Melon)."

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cayaponia americana.