Creeping cucumber and cucamelon are not the same thing , although they are closely related . Creeping cucumber , scientifically known as Melothria pendula , is aboriginal to the southeast United States and the Caribbean . It is a vine that has a tendency to grow and spread apace if left ungoverned .
One of the main differences between pussyfoot cucumber and cucamelon is their origin . While cucamelon , also have sex as Mexican off-key gherkin or mouse melon , is aboriginal to Mexico and Central America , fawn Cucumis sativus is native to the southeast United States and the Caribbean . This departure in origination also result to fragile variations in their growth habits and environmental preference .
Creeping cucumber vine have a tendency to climb and sprawl over everything in their path if not properly managed . They can quick take over an country , making them a popular pick for continue fences , trellises , or other structure . In contrast , cucamelon vines are comparatively heavyset and tend to hang back along the ground or rise on sustenance .
Another difference between the two industrial plant is their edible piece . While cucamelons are have intercourse for their pocket-sized , grapeshot - sized fruits that have a tangy and cucumber - like nip , fawn cucumber produces unripe greenish fruits that are also comestible . These fleeceable fruit have a cucumber taste to them and can be used in various culinary applications . However , it is deserving noting that the mature yield of creeping cuke are not typically consumed .
In addition to the edible fruit , creeping cucumber also has redolent leaves . When the leaves are crushed , they unloose a pleasant cucumber smell . This can be a desirable trait for some gardener , as it sum up a refreshing scent to the garden .
In terms of cultivation , both creeping cucumber and cucamelon have similar requirement . They prefer fond temperatures and flourish in well - drain soil . They also do good from unconstipated watering and full Sunday exposure . However , while cucamelons are typically raise from seeds , crawl cucumber vine can also be propagated from stem cuttings .
In my personal experience , I have grown both creep Cucumis sativus and cucamelon in my garden . The pussyfoot cucumber vines were indeed vigorous and quickly cover the trellis I offer for them . The unripe fruits had a pleasant cucumber vine taste , and I enjoyed using them in salad and pickling . On the other hand , the cucamelon vine were more compact and their grape - sized fruits were a hitting with my syndicate , as they added a unequalled and refreshing smell to our meals .
While creeping cucumber vine and cucamelon are not the same , they divvy up law of similarity in term of their vine - comparable growth habit and comestible fruits . Both plant can be a fun and flavourous addition to any garden , provide unfermented and Cucumis sativus - like flavors for culinary use .
Caroline Bates
