Cyclanthera carthagenensis

This species is a climbing vine native to Central and South America. It is a member of the cucumber family and is characterized by its fast-growing habit and twining stems that allow it to cover large areas of vegetation. The flowers are small, white, and star-shaped, often produced alongside clusters of unopened buds.

This species grows in disturbed habitats, forest edges, and secondary vegetation. Its fruits are small, green, and spiny, resembling miniature cucumbers, and like other species of Cyclanthera, they have been used locally as food or in traditional medicine. Photographed in Atlantico, Colombia.