Contents
Description
Cucumis Maderaspatanus, commonly known as the Madras cucumber, is a tropical vine that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to India and Sri Lanka, and is widely grown in other tropical regions for its edible fruit. The fruit is small, round, and green with white stripes, and has a sweet and sour taste. The Madras cucumber is an annual plant that can grow up to 2 meters in length. It is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, inflammation, and cough.
Taxonomic Information
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Spermatophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Cucurbitales
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Genus: Cucumis
Appearance
The Madras cucumber has a long and slender stem that can climb up to 2 meters with the help of tendrils. Its leaves are heart-shaped and lobed, and can grow up to 15 cm in length. The flowers are yellow and have five petals. The fruit is small, round, and green with white stripes, and can grow up to 5 cm in diameter. The flesh of the fruit is white and contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Water: The Madras cucumber requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil: The Madras cucumber prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant requires full sun exposure to thrive.
Hardiness Zones: The Madras cucumber can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Madras cucumber is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, and bacterial wilt. Regular monitoring and proper hygiene practices can help prevent these issues. In case of infestation or infection, appropriate pesticides or fungicides should be used.
Habitat
The Madras cucumber is native to India and Sri Lanka, and is widely grown in other tropical regions such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. It grows well in warm and humid climates, and can be found in fields, gardens, and farms.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Madras cucumber easy to grow?
A: Yes, the Madras cucumber is relatively easy to grow as long as it is provided with the right growing conditions and care.
Q: Can the Madras cucumber be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the Madras cucumber can be grown in a container as long as it is provided with adequate space, sunlight, and soil.
Q: Can the Madras cucumber be eaten raw?
A: Yes, the Madras cucumber can be eaten raw and is often used in salads and other dishes.
Q: What are the health benefits of the Madras cucumber?
A: The Madras cucumber is rich in vitamins and minerals, and is believed to have various health benefits such as improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system.
Related Plants
- Cucumis melo (muskmelon)
- Cucumis sativus (cucumber)
- Cucumis anguria (West Indian gherkin)
References
- “Cucumis maderaspatanus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 15 July 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282126&isprofile=0&basic=Cucumis%20maderaspatanus>.
- “Madras Cucumber.” Purdue University. Accessed 15 July 2021. <https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/madrascucumber.html>.
- “Cucumis maderaspatanus.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 15 July 2021. <http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:292206-1>.
