Bryonia or Zehneria (?)

Unknown cucurbitaceae from Kenya, photo © by Michael Plagens

Photographed at Naiberi River Camp, s.e. of Eldoret, Kenya. 15 October 2010.

The largest fruits of any plant belong to members of the gourd family. This species, however, has fruit not much larger than a garden pea. They are borne in clusters at the leaf axils. The fruits probably turn red when ripe and could well be toxic to humans.

The plant grows as a twining vine with tendrils that secure its ascent up through shrubs and trees. The flowers are pale cream.

Cucurbitaceae -- Gourd Family

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Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens, Created on 07 March 2011.