About Melothria pendula L.
Melothria pendula L., commonly called creeping cucumber, Guadalupe cucumber, mouse melon, and meloncito, is a plant species that belongs to the Benincaseae tribe. It is particularly prominent in the Southeastern United States. This plant closely resembles cultivated cucumber: it has miniature yellow flowers, as well as matching leaf shape, leaf patterns, and growth habits. Its unripe berries look very similar to tiny watermelons. In ecological interactions, the larvae of Hypercompe cunigunda have been documented feeding on this plant. Regarding safety, ripe black berries of Melothria pendula have strong laxative effects when eaten. The toxicity of the plant's root, vines, leaves, and flowers is currently unknown.
