Acanthosicyos (Nara Melon)

Acanthosicyos

( ah - KAN - thos - iss - ee - ohs )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus is filled with species of thorny shrub plants that are endemic to the Namib Desert along Africa's southwestern coastline. The fruits are typically unpalatable and cause a burning sensation when eaten fresh; they are first roasted over a fire for a few hours before being consumed. Plants form very deep taproot systems, and are commonly leafless, an adaptation to conserve water in their native habitat. Fruits emerge green and turn orange-yellow once mature. Acanthosicyos plants do well in desert regions, and can also be grown as specimen plants in vegetable gardens.

Acanthosicyos Species and Varietals

The genus Acanthosicyos is a member of the plant family Cucurbitaceae, and includes just two species. The genus name is derived from the Greek words for thorn (akantha) and cucumber or gourd (sykios). The best growing zones for Acanthosicyos plants vary depending on the species grown. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Acanthosicyos horridus (Nara Melon, Butter-Nuts, Butterpips, !nara)
This species is found in sand dunes near sources of water, and are leafless; modified stems and spines serve as the photosynthetic 'organs' of the plant. Fruits produced by these plants top out around 2 pounds each, and have sweet, aromatic, yellow-orange pulp. Seeds are large and edible, and are known as Butter-Pips.

Acanthosicyos naudinianus (Gemsbock Cucumber)
These perennial plants produce melons with edible pulp and seeds. Leaves are green and palmate, and stems produce tendrils that have been modified into weak spines. Flowers are typically yellow or white. Fruits emerge green and become pale yellow when ripe.

Caring for Acanthosicyos

These plants can be a bit tricky to grow outside of their natural desert habitat. They can be used in xeriscape and desert landscaping situations where conditions mimic their native climate. Plant Acanthosicyos in full sun (between 6 and 8 hours per day is ideal) and make sure that soil is very well-draining. Space plants between 36 inches and 48 inches apart; they really do need space to grow, reaching up to 30 feet wide in some cases. Water plants sparingly; they have a deep taproot and can get by on infrequent deep waterings once they are established. They do not require fertilizers.

Harvesting Acanthosicyos (Gemsbok Cucumber and Nara Melon)
Fruits are typically ready to be harvested when they reach around 10 inches in diameter and become yellowish on their exteriors, which happens between February and April in the plants' native range. Plants are dioecious, and female plants will not produce fruits if there is not a male plant in close proximity. Cut fruits from the plant with sharp, clean shears or a knife. Mature pulp is boiled and poured into trays to create fruit leather, and seeds are consumed similar to unshelled Sunflower seeds. The pulp can also be used to flavor smoothies and ice creams, or used in candies.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Acanthosicyos can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Nara Melon plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Acanthosicyos by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new plant.

Propagating Acanthosicyos by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
Harvest your seeds. They are contained inside of the spiky fruits produced by these plants. Allow fruits to ripen on the vine as much as possible, and then harvest them and remove the seeds. Rinse flesh off of seeds using a sieve or similar device, and lay them out to dry.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

A halved Nara Melon.

Seeds are typically light in color, and there are many contained within each fruit.

Problems and Pests

Acanthosicyos plants are typically pest and disease free, as long as they are not overwatered and they are grown in a dry environment. For information on common pests and diseases in the home garden, including how to correct them, see the following links:

Pests & Pest Management

Plant Issues