Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Tuesday - July 22, 2014
From: Lorena, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification, Vines
Title: Ripe fruit of Melothria pendula (Guadaloupe cucumber)
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I see the pictures of the guadualupe cucumber plant. The fruit is still green. When it matures does it look like a small tomato? I have noticed the vine when the fruit is ripe. This is in McLennan Co. ThanksANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants is sorry that we don't have a photo of the ripe fruit of Melothria pendula (Guadeloupe cucumber), but here are photos from Eat The Weeds. I would describe it as looking like a ripe olive rather than a small tomato. However, there is a vine that also occurs in Mclennan County TX that you may have seen with a ripe fruit that does look like a small tomato —Ibervillea lindheimeri (Lindheimer's globeberry).
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Vine to attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds in Austin
March 09, 2016 - We'd like suggestions for a climbing, flowering, butterfly/hummingbird friendly plant for our Austin, TX backyard!!
view the full question and answer
Transplanting a grapevine in San Antonio
May 20, 2009 - I planted a small grapevine that is growing well. I want to move it, (only tiny green grapes now, should be merlot) and wondering if I can do it now, mid May, or do I have to wait until fall? Not real...
view the full question and answer
Green wall panel for Dallas
August 21, 2007 - We are working on a green wall panel for a hotel near SMU--I see your list of recommended species for green roofs, & wondered if you have any ideas for vertical applications. Probably will have someth...
view the full question and answer
Vine for yard with morning sun in California
May 24, 2014 - Hi,
What is a good perennial vine to grow on the front of our house? We would like a fragrant flower too. It will be on a wood support beam, helping cover some pipes we have there. It will be an e...
view the full question and answer
Grapevine for pot in Ft. Worth
March 19, 2010 - Can I plant a grapevine in a large clay pot in Fort Worth, Texas?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |