I grew Melothria scabra every summer for a few years in mild southern California, where they grow great. I found the plants very easy to grow, although the vines are a bit wiry and only marginally ornamental. I also found the fingernail-sized fruits very tasty; a blend of cucumber, melon and a little lemon. Nice addition to a salad. They grew easily, were very prolific and, like all curcubits, are warm season growers. I would suggest trying them. An inexpensive source is Baker Creek Heirloom Seed (http://www.rareseeds.com/). They call them "Mexican Sour Gherkins". A packet sell for $2.75 with a flat $3.00 shipping charge. Ron Vanderhoff ________________________________ From: James Waddick <jwaddick@kc.rr.com> To: Pacific Bulb Society <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org> Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 6:44:03 AM Subject: [pbs] Off topic: Culinary Dear Friends, I know enough of you and your culinary wanderings, that I thought I'd ask if you know of this little vine commonly called 'Cuke Nuts' or 'Mouse Melon" (don't you love these common names?) and botanically as Melothria scabra. This is a Mexican cucurbit with edible fruits. Never saw or heard of it before seeing this web site: http://friendsschoolplantsale.com/archives/328/ Any experiences to share? Best Jim W. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F + _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.ibiblio.org http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/