Water
Water consistently when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Zehneria scabra prefers even moisture but dislikes waterlogged conditions. Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid issues.
Also known as Wild Cucumber
Cape Zehn (Zehneria scabra) is a creeping herbaceous perennial native to South Africa, known for its small, edible fruits and ornamental groundcover potential.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Moderate to High
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct sun, especially morning sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Zehneria scabra prefers even moisture but dislikes waterlogged conditions. Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid issues.
Prune to maintain shape, control size, and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or leggy stems as needed. Pinch back young shoots to promote branching.
Pruning is best done in spring before active growth begins.
Propagate from seeds sown in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Seeds germinate best with consistent warmth and moisture.
Cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept humid until rooted.
Repot young plants annually or as needed when root-bound, typically in spring. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years. Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot only slightly larger than the previous one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cape Zehn (Zehneria scabra)
Where Cape Zehn (Zehneria scabra) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus | Zehneria |
| Species | Zehneria scabra |
Similar in genus Zehneria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
