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Description
Zehneria Scabra, commonly known as the hairy cucumber or wild cucumber, is a species of flowering vine in the Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Madagascar but is now found in many other parts of the world. The plant has a trailing habit and can grow up to 10 meters in length. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lobed with hairy stems. The flowers are small and yellow-green, and the fruit is elongated with a rough surface covered in short hairs. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus | Zehneria |
Appearance
Zehneria Scabra has a unique appearance with its elongated fruit covered in short hairs. The plant has a trailing habit and can grow up to 10 meters in length. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lobed with hairy stems. The flowers are small and yellow-green, and the fruit is about 10-15 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. The fruit is initially green, turning yellow as it matures, and has a rough surface covered in short hairs, giving it a hairy appearance.
Care Guide
Zehneria Scabra is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy and thriving:Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade but needs at least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Zehneria Scabra is hardy in USDA zones 10-11. It can be grown as a houseplant in cooler regions.
Common Pests & Diseases
Zehneria Scabra is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues that you might face:Pests: The plant may be affected by spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs. You can control these pests by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.Diseases: The plant may be affected by powdery mildew and leaf spot. You can prevent these diseases by providing good air circulation and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
Zehneria Scabra is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Madagascar. It is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and disturbed areas. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Zehneria Scabra a fast-growing plant?
A: Yes, Zehneria Scabra is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 10 meters in length.Q: Can Zehneria Scabra be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Zehneria Scabra can be grown as a houseplant in cooler regions.Q: Does Zehneria Scabra have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, Zehneria Scabra is known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.Q: What is the best time to prune Zehneria Scabra?
A: The best time to prune Zehneria Scabra is in early spring before new growth appears.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Zehneria Scabra:- Cucumis sativus (cucumber)- Luffa acutangula (angled luffa)- Momordica charantia (bitter gourd)- Melothria scabra (Mexican sour gherkin)
References
– “Zehneria Scabra.” PlantZAfrica.com, 2021, www.plantzafrica.com/plantwxyz/zehneriascabra.htm.- “Zehneria Scabra.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287373&isprofile=0&.- “Hairy Cucumber (Zehneria Scabra).” World Agroforestry, 2021, www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Zehneria_scabra.PDF.
