Cucumis sativus L.

Mentimun or cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is an annual climbing plant up to 5 meters long of the Cucurbitaceae family, originating from the foothills of the Himalayas, cultivated in India since 3,000 years ago before spreading to Egypt and Rome. Its fresh fruit is commonly eaten raw, pickled, or used as a facial juice ingredient. Cucumber is traditionally believed to help flush out body toxins and lower blood pressure.

This plant can grow in temperate to tropical climate regions at elevations up to 2,000 m above sea level, annual air temperature 18-32 °C, with rainfall of 1,000-1,200 mm/year, and soil pH 6-7.5. Prefers full sunlight, fertile soil rich in organic matter and well-drained.

• Roots taproot with root hairs.
• Stem climbing, coarsely hairy, green in color, has spiral-shaped tendrils.
• Leaves heart-shaped, wide, tapering tip, finely hairy, serrated edges.
• Flowers trumpet-shaped, yellow, has 5 petals, hermaphrodite.
• Fruit green in color, cylindrical shape 12-25 cm long, 2-5 cm diameter. Fruit surface has small sharp thorns, pale yellow fruit flesh, many seeds.
• Seeds white, flat oblong shaped.

• Propagated generatively (by seed).
• Seed nursery is done 2 weeks before planting.
• Planting distance 30 x 60 cm.

Alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phytosterols, saponins, triterpenoids, steroids, tannins, ß-carotene, polyphenols, lycopene, shikimate dehydrogenase (3-dehydroquinate dehydratase).

Flushes toxins from the body, lowers high blood pressure, aids weight loss, maintains kidney and bone health, inhibits the development of cancer cells, relieves sore throat, worm remedy, maintains facial skin health.

Information not yet available.

Bonteng (Sunda), Ketimun (Java).