What is this vine?

9 years ago

This vine with its green and white stripped squash-like orb is growing wild in my desert yard. Looks like colocynth, but the leaves are very different. Is it poisonous to wildlife who may eat it? Thank you!

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Comments (5)

waterbug_guy
9 years ago
Fingerleaf Gourd, or Bitter Melon, Cucurbita digitata. not poisonous.
lazy_gardens
9 years ago
Bitter flesh, not poisonous. Birds may peck them to get to the seeds.

They are a perennial with a big tuberous root. Makes a good ground cover where you can't water.
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flopsycat1
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you, waterbug guy and lazygardens. Great responses to my first GardenWeb post!
grant_in_arizona
9 years ago
So fun! I agree with the ID's of course. I've planted seeds of this gourd several times and they all sprouted and then croaked by mid summer, lol, I'm so envious of yours. So fun! Thanks for posting it.

Congrats on your first GW post, please keep them coming. We love to see/hear who is growing what!

Happy gardening!
Grant

Here is a link that might be useful: Pics from my little garden Sept 2014
SAZUGT
9 years ago
Ya we grew up calling them Coyote Gourds. While the flesh is nasty, the seeds can be cleaned and roasted. They're actually pretty nutritious though the taste is hit or miss...