Species Colocynth
Yellow fruit with silver-green stem and green leaves.

Colocynth

Citrullus colocynthis

Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis) is a plant species native to North Africa and Southwest Asia. It is a herbaceous annual that grows to 1 to 1.5 m in height and produces an oval to round, yellow fruit. The fruit is covered in a bitter, thick rind that is often used medicinally. The edible seeds inside the fruit are small, light-colored, and have a mild flavor. Colocynth is an important medicinal plant with a range of traditional uses, including as a laxative and to reduce inflammation. More recently, its extracts have become popular in herbal medicines and dietary supplements. It is also used in food preparation and as a decorative groundcover.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cutting,Division

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Growth Rate:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Colocynth is a drought-tolerant plant species that does not require a lot of water to thrive. It can survive with minimal watering, and should only be watered about every 10-14 days during the summer months and about once a month during the winter months when there is less heat. It’s important to avoid overwatering, as too much water can cause root rot and other problems. If the soil is dry 1 inch below the top surface, it's time to water. When watering, provide the plant with just enough water to saturate the soil, but not so much that it causes the soil to become soggy. A deep watering during each session will help encourage the roots to reach deeper into the soil in order to access the moisture.

sunlight

Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis) plants prefer excellent sunlight exposure and will benefit from full sun for 6 to 8 hours daily. Plant in a spot that will generally receive a minimum of 6 full hours of direct sunlight. Avoid planting in an area that receives too much shade, as this can inhibit growth and reduce flowering. The species prefers warmer climates with temperatures ideally not dropping below 16°C. With too much shade or cooler temperatures, the plant may not be able to thrive.

pruning

Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis) should be pruned in late spring (April or May) when the plant is in its dormant stage. Pruning should be kept minimal, and only dead or damaged branches should be cut off. When pruning, make sure to remove any sucker growth or thin stems from the base of the plant. Cutting the shoots back to the main stem will help promote a bushy form. Any superfluousgrowth at the top of the plant can also be pruned off if necessary. Heavily pruning the Colocynth should be avoided, as this can reduce the flowering potential of the plant.