Kiwano (horned melon, jelly melon) Cucumis metuliferus
Kiwano (horned melon, jelly melon) (Cucumis metuliferus) is an annual fruit plant in the Cucurbitaceae family, native to Southern and tropical Africa (Kalahari and Namib to East Africa). It grows 30 cm–2 m (12 in–6.6 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 10 °C (50 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
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Kiwano (horned melon, jelly melon) at a glance
| Type | Annual fruit plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Mature height | 30 cm–2 m (12 in–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 10 °C (50 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–9 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: ripe fruit (green jelly around the seeds), young leaves (cooked) |
| Native to | Southern and tropical Africa (Kalahari and Namib to East Africa) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States |
| Invasive in | Australia (naturalised; a weed of pastures and crops in Queensland and New South Wales): check local rules before planting |
Is Kiwano (horned melon, jelly melon) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: bitter wild fruit
Cultivated fruit is safe; wild bitter forms contain cucurbitacins and should not be eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Kiwano (horned melon, jelly melon)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Cucurbits (squash family): Cucurbits share powdery mildew, cucumber beetles and mosaic viruses; good airflow and spacing reduce spread. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew spreads between cucurbits in warm, dry weather. Evidence C
Questions about Kiwano (horned melon, jelly melon)
- How far apart should I plant Kiwano (horned melon, jelly melon)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Kiwano (horned melon, jelly melon) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Kiwano (horned melon, jelly melon) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Kiwano (horned melon, jelly melon)?
- It tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Kiwano (horned melon, jelly melon) flower?
- About 6–9 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks.
- Is Kiwano (horned melon, jelly melon) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Cultivated fruit is safe; wild bitter forms contain cucurbitacins and should not be eaten.
- What grows well with Kiwano (horned melon, jelly melon)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Kiwano (horned melon, jelly melon). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Lost Crops of Africa, vol. I Grains (1996), II Vegetables (2006), III Fruits (2008), National Research Council, National Academies Press, Washington DC
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- A spiny-fruited melon grown like a cucumber: the orange fruits with soft horns keep for months. In the Kalahari the wild fruit is a water source in the dry season. Commercial "kiwano" growing began in New Zealand.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Cucumber Cucumis sativus
- Zucchini (courgette) Cucurbita pepo
- Pumpkin Cucurbita maxima / C. pepo
- Watermelon Citrullus lanatus
- Muskmelon (cantaloupe) Cucumis melo
- Butternut squash Cucurbita moschata
- Bitter melon Momordica charantia
- Luffa (sponge gourd) Luffa aegyptiaca