Cucumis metuliferus (Kiwano) – Exotic pickle with a tropical flavour and striking appearance

Cucumis metuliferus, commonly known as Kiwano, Horned Melon, African horned cucumber, or spiny gherkin, is a spectacular fruit that effortlessly attracts attention with its exotic appearance. This uniquely shaped fruit—oval melon-like with sharp spines—ripens to an intense orange and contains fresh green, jelly-like flesh with a tropical, slightly sweet flavor.

For gardeners who love to grow something special, Kiwano is an absolute must. It's a strong, decorative, and productive plant that's surprisingly easy to grow, both in a greenhouse and outdoors during warm summers.

A fruit you won't soon forget

Kiwano is distinguished by its spectacular appearance, aroma and versatility in the kitchen.

Characteristics of the fruit

• Weight: 200–450 g

• Shape: oval, with strong spines

• Peel: yellow-green that changes to bright orange as it ripens

• Flesh: emerald green, jelly-like, with edible, soft seeds

• Taste: fresh combination of banana, lime, kiwi and cucumber

• Texture: soft, juicy and cooling

Kiwano is one of the world's most photogenic fruits and is often used in desserts, cocktails, and decorative dishes. But its flavor is just as unique: mildly sweet, tropical, and wonderfully refreshing.

Powerful plant with an exotic appearance

Cucumis metuliferus forms long tendrils similar to cucumbers and melons, but are significantly stronger and less sensitive. This makes Kiwano an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Plant characteristics

• Very fast growth

• Long tendrils up to 2–3 metres

• Good resistance to heat and drought

• Better disease resistance than standard melon and cucumber varieties

• Decorative foliage and fruit development

Kiwano is naturally resistant to warm and dry climates and can therefore withstand unpredictable summers surprisingly well.

Cultivation: simple and surprisingly flexible

Although the plant looks exotic, cultivation is relatively simple and similar to that of cucumber or melon.

Ideal location

• Full sun

• Warm, sheltered place

• Airy, nutritious and well-drained soil

Sowing and planting advice

• Pre-sowing: April–May at 20–25°C

• Plant out: after the last frost

• Planting distance: 60–80 cm

• Suitable for guiding upwards along mesh, rack or rope.

• Water regularly, especially during fruiting

Cultivation time: 90–120 days from planting out.

Kiwano usually produces abundant fruit, especially in long, warm summers or under greenhouse conditions.

Harvest and storage

Kiwano is ready for harvest once the skin is completely orange and the spines remain firm. You can harvest the fruit both green (fresher, cucumber-like) and orange (sweet and tropical).

Benefits of storage

• Excellent shelf life – often up to 2–3 months

• Remains decorative and edible without refrigeration

• The peel protects the flesh from drying out

This makes Kiwano ideal for sales, storage or decorative applications.

Culinary applications

Kiwano's versatility makes it popular with chefs, foodies and amateur cooks.

• Spoon as a fresh snack

• Smoothies, mocktails and cocktails

• Fruit salads with a tropical character

• Sorbets and desserts

• Garnish for exotic dishes

• Fish dishes with citrus accents

• Salads with mint, lime and coriander

The flesh is slightly sweet and adds a tropical freshness to any dish.

Why grow Kiwano?

• Spectacular appearance – a real eye-catcher

• Tropical, fresh taste

• Strong and relatively simple plant

• High production in warm summers or greenhouse cultivation

• Long shelf life

• Unique in the vegetable garden and kitchen

• Suitable for both hobby and exotic professional cultivation

Kiwano combines exoticism with ease of use – and that makes this variety unique.

Summary

Cucumis metuliferus (Kiwano) is an exotic, spiky fruit that excels in flavor, appearance, and ease of cultivation. With its tropical aroma, long storage life, and striking orange skin, it's a unique addition to any vegetable garden. The plant is strong, productive, and surprisingly easy to grow. Ideal for anyone who wants to grow an exotic fruit that makes an impression.