Contents
Description
Sicyos Mawhai, also known as New Zealand cucumber or Mawhai, is a climbing vine species that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. This plant is native to New Zealand, where it grows in coastal regions and damp forests. It is an annual plant that can reach up to 6 meters in length and produces greenish-white flowers that bloom from August to November.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus | Sicyos |
Appearance
Sicyos Mawhai has a unique appearance with deeply lobed leaves that are up to 20cm wide. The plant produces tendrils that allow it to climb and attach to other plants or structures. The fruits are small, green, and round with a diameter of approximately 2cm. They have a slightly rough texture and are covered in small spines. When ripe, the fruits turn yellowish-green and are edible, with a slightly sweet taste.
Care Guide
Sicyos Mawhai is easy to grow and care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers rich, well-draining soil.
- Sunlight: Sicyos Mawhai prefers partial shade to full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sicyos Mawhai is susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: These insects can cause damage to the leaves and fruits of the plant.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew can affect the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and fall off.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause damage to the leaves and fruits of the plant.
Habitat
Sicyos Mawhai is native to New Zealand, where it grows in coastal regions and damp forests. The plant prefers areas with high humidity and partial shade. It can also be found growing on the edge of streams and rivers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Sicyos Mawhai be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors if it is provided with enough sunlight and moisture.
Q: Is Sicyos Mawhai a perennial plant?
A: No, it is an annual plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season.
Q: Can the fruits of Sicyos Mawhai be used in cooking?
A: Yes, the fruits are edible and can be used in cooking. They have a slightly sweet taste and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Q: Does Sicyos Mawhai require a trellis to climb?
A: Yes, the plant produces tendrils that allow it to climb and attach to other plants or structures. It is recommended to provide a trellis or support for the plant to climb on.
Related Plants
- Sicyos angulatus
- Sicyos cucumerinus
- Sicyos diphyllus
- Sicyos pachycarpus
References
- “Sicyos Mawhai.” New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/sicyos-mawhai/
- “Sicyos Mawhai.” Flora of New Zealand. http://www.nzflora.info/factsheet/Taxon/Sicyos-mawhai.html
- “Sicyos Mawhai.” PlantNet. http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Sicyos~mawhai
