About Trichosanthes cucumerina L.
Trichosanthes cucumerina is a monoecious annual vine that climbs using tendrils. Its leaves are palmately lobed, and can grow up to 25 centimeters long. This species produces unisexual white flowers that open at night. The petal margins of these flowers bear long branching hairs: when flowers are closed during the daytime, these hairs stay curled up, and they unfurl at night to create a delicate lacy display. Mature fruits of Trichosanthes cucumerina turn deep red, can reach up to 200 centimeters in length, and hang below the vine. The related Japanese snake gourd, Trichosanthes pilosa (sometimes classified as T. ovigera or T. cucumeroides), has very similar vegetative morphology. However, the fruit of T. pilosa is round to egg-shaped and only around 7 centimeters long. During cultivation, growers can encourage the fruit of Trichosanthes cucumerina to grow straight by tying a weight to its end.
