COCCINIA MICROPHYLLA

This member of the Cucurbitaceae family was given this name by Ernest Friedrich Gilg in 1904. It is found in the highlands of southern Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and northern Tanzania, growing in a well drained soil with some water and some sun. At present, I have no information on the size of the caudex, but the entire plant can reach four meters in height. The flowers are pale yellow with green veins, the fruits red.

The genera name from Latin coccineus, meaning 'red' or 'scarlet' which must referee to the fruits. The specific name referring to the small leaves. Photo by Marlena Fairbourne.