Horned Melon (Cucumis metuliferus)

Horned Melon (Cucumis metuliferus)

Also known as African horned cucumber, spiked melon, jelly melon, kiwano, or cuke-a-saurus.

A few months ago, a little vine started growing in my herb garden. Rather than just pull it out, I let it grow to see what it was. Just today, I spotted this melon growing and it's approx. 150mm long at this stage. 

Horned Melons are grown in some countries as commercial crops, but here in Australia, and particularly Brisbane, they are a declared weed. As well as the fruit being spiky, the vine itself it very spiky and I will need gloves to pull it out.