Abobra tenuifolia

(Hook. & Arn.) Cogn.

Cranberry gourd

Cucurbitaceae Edible: Fruit 31 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Abobra tenuifolia is a perennial climbing vine reaching 3.5 m (11 ft 6 in), hardy to UK zone 9 and frost-tender. It flowers July to August with seeds maturing September to October. The species is dioecious, requiring both male and female plants for seed production. It grows in light sandy and medium loamy well-drained soils with mildly acid, neutral, or basic pH. It requires full sun and tolerates both dry and moist soil conditions.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.

Edible Uses

The egg-shaped fruit, around 12mm long, is edible, though no further details are available on preparation or use.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows between sea level and 500 m above sea level in Argentina. It is damaged by frost.

Where It Grows

Argentina, Brazil, South America*, Uruguay,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from seed and can be transplanted. Both male and female plants are needed.

Propagation

Sow seed in April in rich compost in a greenhouse. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once large enough to handle, and plant out after the last expected frosts.