Bush Cucumber
This
annual vine occurs in isolated areas of western Queensland and
South-East Northern Territory. Bush Cucumber would once have been
common through most of the central arid zone. However, like Passion
Berries, they have been the victim of introduced grazing animals
which find the aroma and taste of the cucumbers irresistible.
Unlike emus, who also love this fruit, the introduced stock and
feral animals fully digest the seed, thereby removing it
permanently from the area.
Like it's cousins in the melon family, Bush Cucumbers
enthusiastically climb up and along rocks, logs and low shrubs,
sometimes spreading up to 3 meters with long trailing runners. The
pale green leaves are roughly triangular, about 50mm across and
have a similar feel to sandpaper. The tiny yellow flowers are born
at each leaf node and prolifically form fruit which look a bit like
green spotted pigeons eggs.
Bush
Cucumbers were a favourite fruit of indigenous people of the
desert. This was due not only to the great flavour, but the fruit
also keeps well in a cool dry environment for many months.
Bush cucumbers are currently being cultivated at Nepabunna Community in the Flinders
Ranges SA.
It's uses include salads and dressings, as pickles and in
relishes.