''Melothria pendula'', also known as the creeping cucumber or the Guadalupe cucumber, is a plant in the

Benincaseae Benincaseae is one of 15 tribes in the family Cucurbitaceae. Subtribes and genera Benincaseae consists of at least one subtribe, 26 genera, and over 200 species. *Benincasinae **''Acanthosicyos'' **'' Benincasa'' (synonym ''Praecitrullus'' ) ...

tribe. The plant is especially prominent in the

Southeastern United States The Southeastern United States, also known as the American Southeast or simply the Southeast, is a geographical List of regions in the United States, region of the United States located in the eastern portion of the Southern United States and t ...

. The plant resembles the cultivated cucumber, possessing miniature yellow flowers, similar leaf shape, same leaf patterns, as well as similar growth patterns. The unripe berries strongly resemble minuscule watermelons.

Etymology

The genus name ' is from Ancient Greek μηλοθρων : mēlothrōn 'kind of white grape' in reference to small grapevine fruits born by the genus. The specific name ' means 'hanging'.

Toxicity

The ripe berries, which are black, have powerful laxative qualities when consumed. The root, vines, leaves, and flowers have unknown toxicity.

Edibility

The berries, when unripe and light green can be eaten raw. Dogs are known to eat the leaves without any apparent side effects.

Ecology

The larvae of '' Hypercompe cunigunda'' have been recorded feeding on this plant.

References

{{Authority control pendula Edible plants Flora of the Southern United States