Weird melon (forum)

Jacky2 starts with ...
Hello guys,
I found these weird looking melons in my orchard this morning. They looks similar to African horn melon but more spiky. Anyone know what are they? Are they edible? Thanks.
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Time: 29th December 2017 9:36am

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About the Author Jacky2
RUTHVEN,2480,NSW
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Fruitylicious1 says...
Hi Jacky
It's a wild cucumber (echynocystis lobata). A pesky weed. If I were you i'll get rid of it like a plague.
Sorry to disappoint you but it's inedible. It will cause stomach upset and diarrhoea when consumed.
Happy Gardening :-)

Time: 29th December 2017 8:14pm

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Original Post was last edited: 29th December 2017 10:34pm

About the Author Fruitylicious1
TAMWORTH,2340,NSW
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Pademelon1 says...
There are a couple of options for what they could be, none of which are poisonous, but none are 'edible' either.

The most likely candidates are the natives either Cucumis dipsaceus or C. zeyheri, which are closely related to the African horned melon (as well as the cucumber and rockmelon).

It could also be the exotic Ecballium elaterium, which is a fun plant because the melons when fully ripe shoot off the plant, expelling their seeds in a watery blast! This habit is also shared by the native Muellerargia timorensis, the final (although unlikely) candidate.

Hope this helps!

Time: 29th December 2017 8:46pm

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Original Post was last edited: 29th December 2017 8:47pm
About the Author Pademelon1
PADDINGTON,2021,NSW
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Jacky2 says...
Thank you for the answers guys. Didn’t know there are some many plants with similar friuits out there. I should have included a photo of the leaves. It is most likely to be Cucumis zeyheri. Pademelon1 was right!
Happy Gardening :)

Time: 31st December 2017 5:17pm

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About the Author Jacky2
RUTHVEN,2480,NSW
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Posts: 2
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