Cucumis


		Origin Tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia

		Family Cucurbitaceae (Cucurbitaceae)

		Flowering time July to October

		Location Sunny

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Origin:

The ornamental fruits of the genus Cucumis belong to the pumpkin family (Cucurbitaceae) and originally come from the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia.

Growth:

Plants of the genus Cucumis are annual, herbaceous climbing plants or climbers that grow quickly. They have long, slender stems that can climb up trellises or other supports. The plants can reach a height of 1 to 3 meters.

Leaves:

The leaves of Cucumis plants are usually heart-shaped or lobed and have a rough texture. They are green and can vary in size depending on the species and variety. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem.

Blossom:

Cucumis plants have small, yellow flowers that appear singly or in groups in the leaf axils. The flowers are often inconspicuous compared to the showy fruits, but they are important for fruit formation and are pollinated by insects.

Fruit:

The ornamental fruits of Cucumis are small, often only 5 to 10 cm long, and very decorative. They come in various shapes and colors including yellow, orange, green and striped. The best-known ornamental fruits include the hedgehog cucumber (Cucumis dipsaceus) and the ornamental cucumber (Cucumis anguria). These fruits are usually not edible and are purely decorative.

Location:

Cucumis plants prefer a full sun location with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. They require warm temperatures and are sensitive to frost, so in temperate climates they should be planted after the last frost.

Care:

Cucumis plants require regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist, but waterlogging should be avoided. A layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. The plants benefit from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Trellises are necessary to support the climbing plants. If necessary, plants should be pruned to control growth and promote fruit production. Diseases and pests such as aphids and mildew should be checked and treated regularly.