Cucumis SP, Tansania

Cucumis SP, Tansania - Cucumis, Kiwano, Tanzanian cucumber.

A species with a large caudex!

Cucumis is a genus of herbaceous plants in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), comprising about 60 species distributed predominantly across warm regions of Africa and southern Asia. The greatest diversity is observed in Namibia, Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and adjacent regions, where the plants occur on sunny plains, rocky slopes, and in dry savannas. Well-established cultivated members of the genus include the melon and the common cucumber.

Most species are annual, more rarely perennial herbaceous vines with climbing or trailing stems ascending supports by means of axillary tendrils. The leaves are large, simple, more often three- or seven-lobed, sometimes angled or palmately divided. The plants are monoecious, ensuring abundant fruiting even when grown singly.

The flowers are yellow, solitary, and unisexual. Male flowers feature a tubular or funnel-shaped calyx and three free stamens. Female flowers are larger, with an ovary of several locules. The fruit is a pepo with juicy pulp and numerous flat seeds; the surface of the fruit can be smooth, tuberculate, or spiny depending on the species. Ripening occurs during the warm season, and fruiting often continues into autumn.

The seeds are large, about 5 mm (0.2 in) long, light cream-colored, flat, numerous, enclosed in fruits with jelly-like green pulp. Germination rate under proper storage reaches 85-90%. Before sowing, seeds are soaked for 12-24 hours in warm water or in a solution of a growth stimulant (for example, 'Epin') to accelerate swelling and soften the seed coat. Once the coat becomes soft, the seeds are ready for planting.

Sowing is carried out in a loose nutrient substrate consisting of equal parts peat and sand or light garden soil with added perlite. Seeds are buried 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) deep (no more than 3 cm / 1.2 in for large ones), after which the soil is moistened with a spray bottle and the container is covered with film or glass to create a greenhouse effect. Germination is carried out in the light, but without direct sunlight, at a temperature of 24-30 °C (75-86 °F). It is important to maintain consistent substrate moisture without waterlogging and to provide daily ventilation.

Sprouts usually emerge in 5-10 days, with a minimum period of about 3 days and a maximum of over 20 days. At temperatures below 8 °C (46 °F), germination ceases entirely. After the appearance of two true leaves, seedlings are pricked out into individual pots or plug trays. Young plants are planted into their permanent position in consistently warm weather when there is no risk of frost, observing a distance between plants of at least 40-50 cm (16-20 in).

© Greeniverse. All rights reserved.

Cucumis prefers bright sun and warm conditions. In a room or greenhouse, a well-lit location with good airflow is chosen. Outdoors, the plant is placed in sunny areas protected from cold winds. In insufficient light, the vine develops more slowly and forms fewer fruits.

The optimal temperature for active growth is 22-30 °C (72-86 °F); when dropping below 15 °C (59 °F), development slows down, and exposure to 10-12 °C (50-54 °F) causes severe stress. Cucumis does not tolerate cold and drafts well. Watering is regular and moderate; the soil is kept evenly moist, but without water stagnation. In hot weather, evening misting and frequent ventilation are beneficial.

A light, fertile, and well-drained soil is used - a mix of sod soil, humus, and sand. The plant tolerates repotting poorly, so it is recommended to sow seeds directly into individual pots or peat pellets. During the period of active growth, fertilizers with a predominance of phosphorus and potassium are applied every 10-14 days; excess nitrogen leads to excessive foliage growth to the detriment of fruiting.

The vine requires support - a trellis or netting. Pinching the tips stimulates the formation of lateral shoots and increases productivity. Spent and damaged parts are removed regularly. Outdoors, Cucumis is grown as an annual crop, while in a greenhouse with good care it can fruit until late autumn.