Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - November 22, 2014
From: Floresville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Edible Plants, Poisonous Plants, Vines
Title: Is the fruit of Melothria pendula edible?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Is the fruit of Melothria pendula edible?ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants would not advise eating the fruit of Melothria pendula (Guadeloupe cucumber). Here is what Delena Tull says in Edible and Useful Plants of the Southwest: Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona:
"Consider wild gourds not listed here to be potentially toxic. The gourds of Melothria species (a tiny green cucumberlike fruit) and of balsam apple, Momordica species (a yellow or orange spiny fruit), have caused poisoning (Ellis 1978)."
According to the North Carolina State Plant Database it is of low toxicity, but it is a strong laxative causing diarrhea.
You will find, however, that there are those who have eaten them and claim the pale green ones are fine to eat or put in salads. The ripe ones are the potential troublemakers. You can read about this at Eat the Weeds by Green Deane.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Vine for full sun in Las Vegas NV
July 05, 2013 - Looking for vine to thrive in full sun in Las Vegas, NV. I tried Cape Honeysuckle and Star Jasmine and both died within 5 days. The leaves were burnt. What's your suggestion? Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Climbing vines for partial shade in North Texas
June 12, 2014 - I've read your recommendations for climbing vines in partial-shade, but requestor was from Central Texas (Austin-area). Would those recommendations hold true for North Texas (DFW area)?
view the full question and answer
Trailing milkvine, Matelea pubiflora, identified from seed pod
November 10, 2006 - I have a vine that has a seed pod that looks like okra. Inside the pod is a small flat seed and a cotton-looking fiber. Please help identify, if possible.
view the full question and answer
Care for large trumpet vine in Hugo MN
June 09, 2010 - I was recently given a large Trumpet vine that has been growing in the same place for the last 25 years.I have replanted it and given it a large trellis to grow on.I live in central Minnesota. My ques...
view the full question and answer
Non-native, invasive creeping fig in Webster TX
May 26, 2013 - We've recently moved into a new home in the southeast Houston area. The back of our property has a long concrete wall (gets quite a bit of sun), which we thought we could cover with a spreading vine....
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |