Acanthosicyos naudinianus – Wild Melon, Herero Cucumber – 5 Seed Pack

Acanthosicyos is a genus of thorny shrubs of the botanical family Cucurbitaceae, subfamily Cucurbitoideae. The genus name derives from the Greek words “akantha” for thorn and “sykios” for cucumber or gourd. Acanthosicyos naudinianus, synonymously known as Citrullus naudinianus, Colocynthis naudinianus as well as Cucumis naudinianus, and commonly known as Herero Cucumber, Gemsbok Cucumber or Wild Melon, is indigenous to South Africa but can also be found growing in neighbouring countries such as Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The mature fruits of Acanthosicyos naudinianus are eaten raw or roasted; unripe fruits cause a burning sensation of the tongue and lips when eaten raw. The fruit also provides an important source of water. The fruit skin and the seeds are roasted and pounded to make a meal. The tuberous roots are considered inedible or even poisonous and in Zambia they have been reportedly used for homicidal purposes. The preparation and use of arrow poison made from the roots of Acanthosicyos naudinianus is widespread among Bushmen tribes in Angola, Namibia and Botswana. In view of increasing demands for edible oil and protein in arid lands, Acanthosicyos naudinianus is a candidate for development as a high-yielding, dry country crop. It yields a crop quickly, harvesting the fruits is easy, it has a wide ecological adaptation, it is easily propagated and handled, and fruits store well. As such, it compares favourably with Acanthosicyos horridus as a candidate for domestication.