What vine has covered the ground and is crawling up this tree?
This vine is creeping cucumber (Melothria pendula). It’s in the cucurbit family, most closely related to cucumbers and melons, and native to the southeastern US and Mexico. The green, unripe fruit is generally considered safe to eat and tastes like a strong cucumber. However, the black, ripe fruit can be a laxative and should not be consumed. Eat at your own risk. Never eat any wild plant unless you are 100% sure of its identity and safety.
It you find this plant on your property, count yourself lucky because seeds from creeping cucumber are not typically commercially available, though a similar species, the Mexican sour gherkin (Melothria scabra) or “cucamelon”, is. Be aware that viruses, disease, and insects that infect other cucurbits can also live on the wild creeping cucumber. I found several squash bugs and eggs on this plant.
This week’s question is from Christiana Huss, Pee Dee Fruit and Vegetable Agent.
The South Carolina Grower 