Family: Cucurbitaceae
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Naturalized in Queensland, Australia, Venezuela, and possibly elsewhere
- A minor weed of disturbed areas and agriculture
- Other Cucumis species have become invasive
- Leaves have needly hairs and fruit with stout, broad-based, spiny protuberances
- Raw leaves may contain toxic compounds
- Tolerates many soil types
- Climbing plant may smother other vegetation
- Seeds dispersed by birds, frugivorous animals and intentionally by people
- Self-compatible
- Able to reach maturity in 8 weeks (annual)
- Orthodox seeds may form a persistent seed bank (longevity unknown)
Low Risk Traits:
- Fruit edible
- Seedless and spineless cultivars may reduce ability to spread or become a nuisance
- Requires full sun
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
- Herbicides may provide effective control