Status:
valid
Authors:
Naudin
Source:
cmp
Year:
1866
Citation Micro:
Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 5, 6: 10 (1866)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000377170
Common Names
- Creeping Cucumber
- Little Cucumber
- Mexican Sour Gherkin
Synonyms
- Melothria donnell-smithii Cogn. ex Donn.Sm. [unknown]
- Melothria donnell-smithii hirtella Cogn. [unknown]
- Melothria donnell-smithii rotundifolia Cogn. [unknown]
- Melothria costensis C.Jeffrey [unknown]
Description
Melothria scabra (also called Rough Melothria, among many other common names) is a small, evergreen, perennial herb with rough, oval-shaped leaves and small, white flowers. It is native to tropical Africa and is found in moist, shady areas such as rainforests and riverbanks.
Uses & Benefits
Melothria scabra is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal plant for treating various ailments. It is also used as a natural dye.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Melothria scabra has small, white flowers that are arranged in clusters. The seeds are small, black and have a round shape. The seedlings are thin and have two, pointed leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Melothria scabra is a perennial vine that is native to Southeast Asia. It can be propagated from seed or by cuttings. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. It is best grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.
Where to Find Melothria scabra
Melothria scabra is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It is commonly found in moist forests and grasslands.
Melothria scabra FAQ
What is the scientific name of this plant?
Melothria scabra
What type of plant is this?
A perennial vine
What are the common uses of this plant?
It is used as an ornamental plant and for erosion control
Species in the Melothria genus
Melothria trilobata,
Melothria cucumis,
Melothria pendula,
Melothria pringlei,
Melothria scabra,
Melothria hirsuta,
Melothria campestris,
Melothria sphaerocarpa,
Melothria warmingii,
Melothria microcarpa,
Melothria dulcis,
Melothria schulziana,
Melothria longituba,
Species in the Cucurbitaceae family
Abobra tenuifolia,
Acanthosicyos horridus,
Actinostemma lobatum,
Actinostemma parvifolium,
Actinostemma tenerum,
Alsomitra macrocarpa,
Ampelosicyos humblotii,
Ampelosicyos major,
Ampelosicyos meridionalis,
Ampelosicyos scandens,
Ampelosicyos bosseri,
Ampelosicyos leandrii,
Ampelosycios meridionalis,
Ampelosycios scandens,
Apodanthera anatuyana,
Apodanthera argentea,
Apodanthera aspera,
Apodanthera biflora,
Apodanthera bradei,
Apodanthera cinerea,
Apodanthera eriocalyx,
Apodanthera fasciculata,
Apodanthera ferreyrana,
Apodanthera glaziovii,
Apodanthera hindii,
Apodanthera hirtella,
Apodanthera laciniosa,
Apodanthera linearis,
Apodanthera mandonii,
Apodanthera mathewsii,
Apodanthera palmeri,
Apodanthera sagittifolia,
Apodanthera smilacifolia,
Apodanthera succulenta,
Apodanthera tumbeziana,
Apodanthera ulei,
Apodanthera undulata,
Apodanthera villosa,
Apodanthera weberbaueri,
Apodanthera longipedicellata,
Austrobryonia argillicola,
Austrobryonia centralis,
Austrobryonia micrantha,
Austrobryonia pilbarensis,
Baijiania borneensis,
Baijiania taiwaniana,
Baijiania decipiens,
Baijiania smitinandii,
Bambekea racemosa,
Bayabusua clarkei,