Cucumis species

Abstract

DISTRIBUTION: Widespread on disturbed soil, etc.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: General: Sprawling or occasionally climbing annual creepers with woody rootstocks, rough, hairy stems and spirally coiled tendrils. Leaves: Deeply to shallowly lobed single leaves. Flowers: The male and female flowers occur mostly on the same plant. 5-merous. Fruit: The small cucumber-like fruits are oval to roundish, smooth or with fleshy prickles or spines.

TOXIC PRINCIPLE: Toxin in fruit only and increases on ripening. • Cucurbitacin A-L (and related compounds). • Tetracyclic triterpenes (C 30 - compounds) and glycosides which are known as bitter principles (bitterstowwe). • Extremely bitter - to protect plants against herbivores.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Gastro-intestinal and respiratory systems.

CLINICAL SIGNS: Large intake: Collapse and sudden death without notable symptoms. Lower intake: Diarrhoea, polypnoea.

NECROPSY: Large intake: Lung oedema. Lower intake: Severe catarrhal to pseudomembraneous enteritis. Haemorrhages into lumen of g.i.t. Large amounts of typical seeds in g.i.t. Treatment: Symptomatic and supportive. Avoidance: Avoid excessive intake. Supply enough food and water before sending animals into the veld.