Cyclanthera pedata var. edulis

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Cyclanthera pedata var. edulis

Family: Cucurbitaceae

(A) vine to 12′.  Peruvian Cucumber or Slipper Gourd.  Native to Central and South America.  This attractive annual vine has small, greenish white flowers borne in racemes and climbs quite rapidly by means of long, tightly coiled tendrils.  The large, lime green, pedately lobed leaves add great textural interest.  The six-inch long, green fruits are puffy, partially hollow with a thin, white, fleshy layer containing black seeds. The fruits are eaten after removing the seeds and stuffing them with rice or meat.  Young shoots and leaves can also be eaten as greens.  The species has long been cultivated in Asia, where fruits are eaten raw as a substitute for cucumber.  Our original seeds were collected by the Cabot’s on a trip to Nepal…very special.  Sun.  3 & T3