Creeping Cucumber

Melothria pendula

"Melothria pendula" is a plant in the Benincaseae tribe. The plant is especially prominent in the Southeastern United States. The plant resembles the cultivated cucumber, possessing miniature yellow flowers, similar leaf shape, same leaf patterns, as well as similar growth patterns. The unripe berries strongly resemble minuscule watermelons.
Melothria pendula Creeping Cucumber Creeping Cucumber,Geotagged,Melothria pendula,Philippines

Naming

The genus name "Melothria" is from Ancient Greek μηλοθρων : mēlothrōn 'kind of white grape' in reference to small grapevine fruits born by the genus. The specific name "pendula" means 'hanging'.
Creeping Cucumber - Melothria pendula  Creeping Cucumber,Flower,Melothria pendula,Palawan,Philippines,Plant

Habitat

The larvae of "Hypercompe cunigunda" have been recorded feeding on this plant.

Defense

The ripe berries, which are black, have powerful laxative qualities when consumed. The root, vines, leaves, and flowers have unknown toxicity.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
DivisionAngiosperms
ClassEudicots
OrderCucurbitales
FamilyCucurbitaceae
GenusMelothria
SpeciesM. pendula
Photographed in
Philippines