Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Wednesday - November 16, 2011
From: Coppell, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification, Edible Plants, Poisonous Plants
Title: Identification of a cucumber-like vine with fruit
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
We found tiny, grape-size white melon-like fruit on a vine, with tomato-like/cucumber-like seeds. The leaves on the vine were similar to grape or cucumber leaves, but not spiny. They were behind our shed. No clue where or how they got there, as we had redone the entire yard, and it should have been bare. Do you have any clue what they might be and if they are edible? I can send a photo if you wish. Thank you! TAMU Class of '82ANSWER:
Your description sounds like Melothria pendula (Guadeloupe cucumber). The Poisonous Plants of North Carolina says that the "raw berry is edible, but a strong laxative." Thus, they classify it as causing "only low toxicity if eaten." Another "take" from Eat the Weeds on the edibility of the fruit is that the green fruits are edible, but the mature purple fruits are the ones that cause the trouble.
I imagine the way the plant got in your backyard is from seeds that were deposited by a bird or small animal.
If this isn't your plant, please visit our Plant Identification page to find several links to plant identifcation forums that accept photos for identification.
From the Image Gallery
More Edible Plants Questions
Nectar from Lonicera sempervirens edible from Fairfax VA
June 01, 2011 - Is the nectar from Lonicera sempervirens edible?
view the full question and answer
Growing non-native grapefruit from seeds from Austin
April 30, 2013 - Can you grow ruby red grapefruit trees from seeds?
view the full question and answer
Failure of highbush blueberry plant to produce in New Hampshire
July 25, 2008 - One of my highbush blueberry plants completely stopped producing. What can I do to revive it?
view the full question and answer
Information about Citrus mitis
June 26, 2008 - I was given a Citrus Mitis plant. It has beautiful white flowers and delicious looking tiny oranges.everyone in my office is asking if they're edible?
view the full question and answer
Ground cover plant that tastes like cucumbers
December 18, 2011 - It is a native ground cover plant that is edible and tastes like cucumbers. Found in the Edwards Plateau. What is the name?
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
