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.