Cucumis Africanus - Indigenous South African Vine
Cucumis africanus, also known as the South African wild cucumber or bitter apple, is an indigenous South African vine. It is a trailing plant with marbled yellow and green fruits, native to the Kalahari desert and other regions of Africa. The fruits, leaves, and seeds are edible and have been used for food and medicinal purposes for centuries.
Key Characteristics:
Native to: Africa, particularly the Kalahari desert and surrounding woodlands.
Fruit: Marbled yellow and green, edible, and can be pickled.
Leaves: Edible as a pot herb, rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
Seeds: Edible and can be used for planting.
Uses: Food source (fruits and leaves), water source (fruit), medicinal purposes (e.g., as a fish poison).
