How to identify Teasel gourd (Cucumis dipsaceus)

Photo By Forest & Kim Starr , used under CC-BY-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Teasel gourd (Cucumis dipsaceus)

Teasel gourd, also known as Wild spiny gourd, Teasel cucumber, Arabian cucumber

Teasel gourd exhibits the vining habit typical of its kind, often seen sprawling across the ground or ascending with the aid of its tendrils, which enable it to clamber over supports or neighboring vegetation. It produces distinctive yellow flowers, a vibrant highlight against its green foliage. The fruit of teasel gourd also possesses a noticeable yellow hue when mature, adding to the visual identification cues. The leaves and overall morphology adhere to the climbing vegetable archetype, typical of its family.

Lifespan: Annual

Plant Type: Herb, Vine

Quickly Identify Teasel gourd

Heart-shaped trilobed leaves with toothed margins and fine hairs

Distinct oblong fruit covered in protective hairs, changing from green to yellow

Quadrangular climbing stems up to 6 feet (183 cm) long, covered in fine hairs

Yellow monoecious flowers with male blooms measuring 1/2 to 3/4 inch (1.3 to 1.9 cm)

Male flowers possess three stamens, while female flowers have three-lobed stigmas

Detailed Traits of Teasel gourd

Leaf Features

The leaves of teasel gourd are heart-shaped and trilobed, with a distinct notch at the base. They measure between 3/4 and 3 inches (2-7 cm) in length and 1-3.5 inches (2.5-9 cm) in width. Both sides of the leaves are covered with fine hairs, and the margins are toothed, adding a rough texture. The surface is green and the veins are prominently displayed, contributing to its unique appearance.

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Flower Features

Teasel gourd flowers are monoecious and unisexual, featuring distinct male and female blooms on the same plant. Male flowers are yellow, measuring 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch (1.3 to 1.9 cm) and possess three stamens. Female flowers are slightly larger at 3/4 to 1 inch (1.9 to 2.5 cm) and have three-lobed stigmas. Both types exhibit a subtle, mild scent. The blooming period spans from September to November, showcasing delicate, eye-catching blossoms.

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Stem Features

The stem of teasel gourd exhibits a climbing habit, reaching lengths of up to 6 feet (183 cm) or more. It is quadrangular in shape, covered with fine hairs, and relatively weak. The texture is rough due to the presence of these hairs. Stems are typically thin and fragile, which enhances their climbing ability. The color of the stem may vary, usually presenting a green hue. Branching occurs intermittently, aiding in the plant’s ability to spread and cling onto supports.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of teasel gourd showcases a distinctive oblong shape, covered in a dense layer of protective hairs, reminiscent of a hedgehog's texture. Upon maturity, the fruit undergoes a striking color transformation, beginning as a vivid green and gradually transitioning to a ripe yellow hue. Measuring approximately 2 to 3.5 inches (5 to 9 cm) in length, these fruits become easily noticeable during their peak season, from November to January. Internally, they are filled with an abundance of seeds, each encased within the fruit's fleshy interior.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Teasel gourd and Their Similar Plants

Cucumber vs. Teasel gourd: What's The Difference?

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a creeping vine native to South Asia. It has a long history of cultivation - mentions of its use are found in various ancient scripts, including the Bible, Epic of Gilgamesh and Pliny the Elder's "Natural History". Today, cucumber is one of the most widely cultivated vegetable species in the world.

Cantaloupe vs. Teasel gourd: What's The Difference?

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West indian gherkin vs. Teasel gourd: What's The Difference?

West indian gherkin (Cucumis anguria) is related to the common cucumber. It is primarily grown as a crop plant in the subtropics and tropics in the same manner. It was introduced to other areas of the world and is considered an invasive weed in some parts of Australia and North America. The fruit can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled.

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Key Facts About Teasel gourd

Attributes of Teasel gourd

Plant Height

2 m

Spread

45 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2 cm to 2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

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Scientific Classification of Teasel gourd

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Teasel gourd (Cucumis dipsaceus)

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Distribution Map of Teasel gourd

Teasel gourd is a plant with its origins in the Horn of Africa and surrounding tropical regions. It is native across a swath of the continent from northeastern to east-central Africa. Since its discovery, teasel gourd has been introduced and established in substantial parts of South and Central America, gaining a foothold in ecological niches similar to its native habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Teasel gourd How to Grow and Care for Teasel gourd