| Acanthosicyos horridus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Cucurbitales |
| Family: | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus: | Acanthosicyos |
| Species: | A. horridus |
| Binomial name | |
| Acanthosicyos horridus Welw. ex Hook.f. |
|
Acanthosicyos horridus is an unusual melon that occurs only in Namibia; it is locally called !nara.
The edible seeds are known locally as butterpips.[1]
The fruit serves as an essential food source for Topnaar people from February to April and August to September.[2] The katydid, Acanthoproctus diadematus feeds on the plant, moving between different bushes at night.[3]